Back-to-back landslips that occurred at Kayanad near Muvattupuzha amid the recent spell of torrential rain have revived safety concerns over water-filled abandoned quarries, prompting the authorities to initiate steps to allay public fears.

Officials inspected the site after local residents expressed concerns over a suspected water leak from a deep pit formed at one of the abandoned quarries situated upstream of the site where the landslips took place. There are over 30 quarries in the area, which is part of Maradi grama panchayat.

The officials, including disaster management experts, who inspected the area have submitted a preliminary report to the District Collector on the situation at the quarry pond. It is learnt that they have ruled out any immediate danger while suggesting a detailed multi-department inquiry into the suspected safety threat.

“It is not yet ascertained if the landslip downstream had anything to do with the flooding of the abandoned quarry. The suspected seepage from the pit lake has also to be verified. A detailed study by experts, including geologists, may be required before reaching conclusions,” an official said. The authorities, meanwhile, are exploring the possibility of pumping water out of the quarry in a bid to address the concerns of people residing downstream.

The work is likely to be done using funds from the District Mineral Foundation.

A house was damaged and rubber and pineapple farms were inundated in the flash floods caused by landslips that took place near the Shoolam waterfalls at Kayanad last week.

People’s representatives have, meanwhile, called upon the authorities to find out if other abandoned quarries in the district also pose a threat to public safety, especially in the wake of heavy rain causing widespread damage in hilly regions, including Muvattupuzha and Kothamangalam.

“It has to be examined if the water-filled abandoned quarries pose any threat to public safety, and action should be taken accordingly. A comprehensive study has to be conducted on how to make use of the water stored in abandoned quarries productively while ensuring public safety,” district panchayat president K.G. Radhakrishnan said.

The authorities have identified around 80 abandoned quarries in the district as part of measures to ensure safety around the sites in the wake of repeated drowning cases.

Published - August 12, 2026 10:06 pm IST