Traffic curbs imposed on Thamarassery Ghat Pass amid heavy rainfall and landslip risks

With heavy rainfall lashing Kozhikode district, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Saturday (August 1, 2026) imposed traffic restrictions on the Thamarassery Ghat Road and ordered the immediate closure of all eco-tourism centres and water tourism destinations across the district.

Issuing orders under Sections 30 and 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, District Collector and DDMA Chairperson M.S. Madhavikutty announced a total ban on the movement of heavy vehicles, multi-axle lorries, trailers, tourist transport, and non-essential private vehicles through the Thamarassery pass.

The restrictions were put in place following concerns over possible landslips, mudslides, and rockfalls along the route following heavy rain. The Collector warned that strict legal action under Section 51 of the Disaster Management Act and relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, would be taken against violators.

Freight and heavy transport bound for Wayanad have been redirected through the Kuttiyadi and Nadukani mountain passes. Essential services-including Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses, ambulances, Fire and Rescue Services, police, and civil defence units remain exempted from the restrictions, which will stay in force until further notice.

Following the Collector’s instructions, the Kozhikode Rural Police have set up checkpoints at Adivaram to inspect and regulate vehicular movement. Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) equipped with earthmovers, chain saws, and rescue gear have been posted along critical sections of the pass, particularly between the sixth and ninth hairpin bends, to immediately clear fallen trees or debris.

Public Works department (PWD)-National Highways division and Forest department officials have also initiated joint patrolling. As part of the safety measures, public access to all major tourist and eco-tourism destinations, including Kakkayam and Kariyathumpara, have been prohibited due to rising water levels. Local administration, police, Forest department, and District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) officials have been tasked with enforcing the ban.

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has issued a safety warning, advising the public to maintain a safe distance from snapped power cables or trees leaning onto power lines. Residents can report electrical hazards to KSEB via its toll-free helpline-1912. The district-level helpline is : 04952-371002/9446538900.