Wayanad debris slip: Kerala constitutes expert panel to study cause of accident; report to be submitted in a month

The State government has constituted an expert committee to enquire into the causes of the Kalladi phase-3 debris collapse in Wayanad, which has claimed seven lives so far, while one person remains missing. The committee comprises Dr. C.P. Rajendran, geologist; Dr. Vishnudas, ecologist; Dr. P. Pugazhendi, Chief Wildlife Warden, Kerala; the Secretary, Public Works Department; and the Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department (convenor). The convenor has been authorised to co-opt additional experts as members, if deemed necessary.

The committee’s terms of reference include identifying the causes of the accident, examining whether the project contractor violated any contractual conditions, and reviewing the environmental clearances granted by the State and the Centre, as well as the forest clearance issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The committee has been directed to submit its report within one month.