Rainwater, mud from NH construction site flood houses, road in Taliparamba

Mud and slush from the under-construction national highway at Kuppam near Taliparamba flowed into houses again following heavy rain, triggering concerns among residents who had faced a similar crisis last year.

Around 20 houses in the CH Nagar area were affected after heavy rain early on Monday caused mud and rainwater from the construction site to gush into residential premises. Residents said slush had been flowing into courtyards during recent rains, but the situation worsened following the heavy downpour.

The CH Nagar road, used by more than 60 families, was completely covered in mud, making even pedestrian movement difficult. Residents later undertook cleaning work themselves to remove the slush from the road.

Residents alleged that despite repeated complaints, no permanent solution had been implemented to prevent mud from flowing from the national highway construction site into nearby houses. Protests had earlier forced a temporary halt to construction work in the area. With migrant labourers also leaving the site, construction activities have remained stalled for the past few months.

Last year too, houses in CH Nagar were inundated with mud during the monsoon, with nearly four feet of slush accumulating inside some homes. Following protests staged by residents, the district authorities and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials visited the area and assured corrective measures.

As a temporary arrangement, a drainage channel was dug to divert water, and a sandbag embankment was constructed. However, residents said the channel became clogged with mud at intervals, resulting in the recurrence of the problem this year.

Meanwhile, Revenue Divisional Officer S. Vandana, who visited the area, assured residents that necessary steps would be taken after consulting officials of the NHAI and other departments concerned.