The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) has directed authorities to ensure proper road connectivity and travel facilities in the district’s tribal settlements. KSHRC Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas ordered immediate administrative clearance for the ₹9.25-crore project sanctioned under the Idukki package to reconstruct the Chilanthiyar–Ullavayal road near Vattavada, which was destroyed by flash floods in 2024.

The Commission instructed the District Collector to forward the order to the relevant sanctioning authorities to expedite approvals without delay. Additionally, the Collector and the District Tribal Development Officer were directed to take immediate steps to make roads connecting tribal settlements motorable.

Suo motu case

The Commission had registered a suo motu case in July 2025 following an incident where an injured tribal woman had to be carried on a bamboo stretcher by over 50 fellow villagers to the nearest hospital in Marayur. They trekked 6 km through treacherous terrain from the Valsapettykudy tribal settlement inside the Anamudi Shola National Park under the Munnar Wildlife Division due to the lack of motorable roads.

Following the incident, the Commission sought reports from and held hearings with the Idukki District Collector, District Panchayat Secretary, Vattavada Panchayat Secretary, and the Munnar Wildlife Warden. The report stated that ₹7 lakh has been allocated from the panchayat fund, and ₹25 lakh has been sanctioned under the Chief Minister’s Local Road Rebuild Project (CMLRRP), with agreements already signed for the Chilanthiyar–Valsapettykudy stretch. The Commission directed that this work be completed immediately and instructed the Collector to monitor progress. The Executive Engineer of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has been instructed to submit a proposal for the 16-kilometre Chilanthiyar–Valsapettykudy–Kanthalloor road for the Union government’s approval.

Since the road passes through forest land, the authorities must submit applications via the Union Ministry’s PARIVESH portal. The Munnar Wildlife Warden was directed to process clearances promptly once submitted. The Commission further directed the Medical Officer of the Vattavada Primary Health Centre to ensure regular healthcare services for the tribal population and instructed authorities to provide adequate educational facilities for tribal children in the region.

Published - August 18, 2026 09:10 pm IST