Daytime traffic on the Gap Road stretch of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway (NH85) in Munnar resumed on Monday morning. Traffic on the stretch was suspended after heavy rain triggered a major landslip along the Chemmannar stretch of the Gap Road on Friday. According to Idukki Collector Sheeba George, single line traffic was allowed on the stretch from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. “The traffic ban from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. will continue till further notice,” said the Collector.
Officials said police personnel had been deployed on the Chemmannar stretch to ensure single-line traffic. The stretch is one of the major routes connecting Munnar and Thekkady and Munnar and Bodimettu in Tamil Nadu.
There were allegations that unscientific road-widening works had triggered the landslips. Rocks were blasted simultaneously at various spots which shook sensitive layers of rocks, causing serial landslips on the stretch, it was alleged.
