Idukki (Keralam), Oct 20 Traffic has been completely banned on the Adimali-Munnar route along National Highway 85 in this hill district after a huge boulder fell onto the road, disrupting traffic to the popular hill tourism destination, officials said on Tuesday.
The ban will remain in force until all safety threats are removed, District Collector Dr Dineshan Cheruvath said.
The boulder fell onto the road at the Randaam Mile area last night while earth was being excavated for national highway construction. Other rocks and large trees in the area are also in dangerous positions, posing a threat to commuters, officials said.
They estimate that it will take three days to remove the dangerous rocks and trees and break up the boulder blocking the road.
The Collector has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) project director to clear the obstructions and complete the work within three days.
Under the traffic diversion plan, vehicles travelling from Munnar to Adimali can reach their destination via Anachal and Iruttukanam after turning back at Randaam Mile.
Vehicles from Adimali to Munnar should turn at Iruttukanam and proceed via Anachal to Randaam Mile before continuing to Munnar. Those travelling to Mankulam should turn at Iruttukanam, reach Kallar Junction and proceed towards Mankulam.
Traffic will be restored only after an expert technical committee confirms that all safety risks have been eliminated, officials said.
The district police chief and other officials have been directed to put up warning boards and barricades and ensure adequate safety measures at night.
The Disaster Management Authority has also recommended scientific bench cutting instead of vertical cutting during excavation on steep slopes to prevent similar accidents in the future, officials added.
(PTI News)
