The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to submit a report regarding the mudslide tragedy that occurred at Adimaly on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway on October 15, 2025. Commission chairperson Alexander Thomas issued the order after an Idukki district administration probe found that the tragedy was caused due to NHAI road widening.
The commission has given the NHAI one month to report on the actions taken regarding the incident. This order follows a report by the District Collector held the NHAI responsible for providing compensation to those affected by the mudslide.
The District Collector informed the commission that the NHAI must provide rental assistance to 27 families currently staying in camps until they receive their insurance payouts. Furthermore, if the insurance money is insufficient to secure new land and housing, the authority must cover the remaining balance. The Collector’s report also stated that the NHAI should provide ₹15,000 to those returning home from relief camps.
The commission’s directive further requires the NHAI to clarify whether it has followed the Collector’s instructions. If not, the authority must provide reasons. The report must also include the death toll, the number of injured persons, the total compensation distributed so far, and lists of those who have received or are still awaiting payment.
Meanwhile, Adimaly panchayat secretary has been directed to report on actions taken following the Collector’s orders. The District Collector has also been directed to submit a report verifying whether the NHAI and the panchayat secretary have implemented these directives.
Representatives from the Collector’s office, the NHAI project director, and the panchayat Secretary are required to appear before the commission during its sitting in Thiruvananthapuram on June 6 to provide a follow-up on the matter.
Published – May 15, 2026 07:48 pm IST
