In a decisive move aimed at preventing landslides and construction-related disasters, the Kerala government has mandated slope stability reports for all construction activities in hilly and steep terrains. The rule requires that the assessment be conducted only by government-notified agencies before any building permit is issued.
The amendment follows judicial intervention, after concerns were raised over unscientific excavation and unchecked construction in ecologically fragile regions of the state.
Court directive drives stricter safety norms
The revised provision, introduced under the Kerala Minor Mineral Concession Rules, comes in response to a High Court directive issued during a public interest litigation. The court had flagged the absence of scientific evaluation of slope safety while permitting construction in vulnerable hill areas.
Officials said the lack of proper slope assessment had significantly increased the risk of land subsidence and slope failure, especially during heavy rainfall. The new rule is intended to ensure that terrain stability is evaluated before excavation of ordinary earth begins.
Lessons from floods and landslides shape policy
Post-disaster studies conducted after the 2018 floods had identified large portions of Kerala’s hilly terrain as high-risk zones. Geological assessments classified slopes into high, moderate, and low hazard categories, underscoring the need for tighter land-use regulation.
Authorities believe that mandatory slope stability studies will help restrict construction in high-hazard areas and guide safer development practices in moderate-risk zones, reducing the likelihood of future disasters.
Public concerns over cost and access
While the move has been welcomed by disaster management experts, officials acknowledge possible resistance from residents in hill regions. Many landowners may face higher costs and delays due to the technical studies now required before construction.
To address these concerns, the government is working on standard operating procedures that may differentiate requirements based on the scale of construction, ensuring that safety measures do not become prohibitive for individual homeowners.
The amendment marks a shift toward science-based planning in Kerala’s disaster-prone landscapes, as the state attempts to balance development needs with long-term safety and environmental resilience.