Kalpetta: An expert team, led by earth sciences specialist Dr John Mathai, began marking the safe (Go-Zones) and unsafe (No-Go Zones) areas along the banks of the Punnappuzha River in Wayanad on Tuesday. The team focuses on the riverbanks from Punchirimattam to Chooralmala as part of the rehabilitation efforts for survivors of the devastating landslides in Mundakkai and Chooralmala villages.

The landslides, which occurred in the early hours of July 31, 2024, resulted in over 300 fatalities, with several still missing.

In high-risk areas, the expert team identified a 50-meter buffer zone from the riverbed, while in relatively safer locations, a 30-meter safety zone was marked. The team also recommended evacuating homes located in these hazardous areas, and the affected families will be included in the township rehabilitation project, as confirmed by the district administration.

District Collector DR Meghasree called on residents to cooperate in marking these zones. In an official statement, she assured that any concerns raised by the public regarding the demarcation of safe and unsafe zones would be addressed amicably.

The district administration also clarified that construction will not be allowed in the No-Go zones along the river, and public access to these areas will be restricted. However, according to the experts overseeing the rehabilitation project, permits for construction and public movement will be granted in the Go Zones.