Kerala Mudslide Tragedy Spurs Commission Inquiry

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission is launching a detailed inquiry into a fatal mudslide at a National Highway site in Mannamkandam, Adimali. The commission aims to identify lapses and prevent future incidents, also considering compensation for victims and their rehabilitation. Reports are due within a month.

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) has initiated a thorough inquiry into the recent mudslide that resulted in a fatality and injuries at the National Highway site in Mannamkandam, Adimali.

Spearheaded by KSHRC chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas, the investigation follows media reports and demands a multi-expert team's examination. Justice Thomas instructed the district collector to appoint officials including the deputy collector (disaster management), district geologist, and others to investigate the disaster's cause and propose preventative measures.

In addition to rehabilitation and compensation for affected families, a report is to be submitted within a month. Separate reports are required from the NHAI project director, who must participate in site visits. Justice Thomas also mandated key officials to appear before the commission in December, as parallel preliminary investigations commence.

(With inputs from agencies.)