Land cave-in near Mukkali on Kozhikode NH leaves two houses vulnerable
A land cave-in near Mukkali on the Kozhikode National Highway has left two houses in a precarious position, prompting residents to block the road in protest.
A portion of land beside the National Highway near Mukkali in Kozhikode caved in around noon on Monday, leaving two nearby houses in a precarious position and renewing concerns about the stability of the ground adjoining the highway.
The collapse occurred at a site where excavation was under way for the foundation of a protective wall. Work on the wall had been expedited after two similar incidents were reported in the area earlier this year.
No one was injured in the incident. The ground gave way while workers engaged in the construction were away for lunch, averting what could have been a major mishap. Several workers are involved in building the protective wall at the site.
Residents of the area now fear that a further cave-in could damage or destroy the two vulnerable houses.
Later on Monday evening, residents blocked the National Highway at Mukkali, alleging that officials of the National Highways Authority of India and the Revenue department had not visited the site despite the seriousness of the incident. The protesters sat on the highway, demanding the immediate intervention of the authorities and an assessment of the situation.
The blockade was called off after police intervened and the protesters were assured that officials would visit the site.