The Kerala High Court has directed the State Government to immediately release ex gratia compensation to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent landslide at the Anakkampoyil–Kalladi tunnel project site in Wayanad. The court emphasized that providing timely relief to affected families must take priority while investigations into the cause of the tragedy continue.
Hearing the matter, the High Court instructed the government to ensure that financial assistance reaches the victims’ families without delay. The Bench also ordered that all medical expenses of those injured in the incident should be borne by the State until they are discharged from hospital, ensuring that no affected family faces additional financial hardship during treatment.
The court sought a comprehensive report from the government detailing the circumstances that led to the landslide, the safety measures that were in place at the tunnel construction site, and the steps being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. Judges also asked authorities to explain whether monsoon safety protocols had been followed before construction activities were undertaken in the ecologically sensitive area.
The Wayanad landslide occurred after heavy monsoon rainfall triggered a massive collapse of mud and debris at the under-construction tunnel project. Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire and Rescue Services, police, and local volunteers have been working continuously to recover victims and search for those reported missing. Following the disaster, the Kerala Government announced an ex gratia payment of ₹5 lakh for the families of each deceased victim and suspended work on the tunnel project pending a detailed inquiry.
The High Court observed that humanitarian assistance should not be delayed because of ongoing investigations. It stressed that affected families deserve prompt financial support, medical care, and dignified handling of relief measures while responsibility for the accident is determined through official inquiries. The court also indicated that accountability for any negligence can be addressed separately after the investigation is completed.
The state government has assured the court that it will comply with the directions and continue relief operations in coordination with district authorities. Investigations into the landslide remain underway, with officials examining construction practices, environmental conditions, and safety compliance at the project site to determine the exact cause of the disaster.
news as reported
