Rising casualties due to landslips, wall collapses in Nilgiris prompt call for action

Overview Following a recent tragedy on January 17, 2026 , in which three migrant labourers died near Coonoor , activists are demanding stricter measures to prevent construction worker deaths in the Nilgiris district. The incident has brought renewed focus on the role of the Hill Area Conservation Authority (HACA) and the safety protocols at construction sites. Key Incidents and Statistics In the last two years , there have been three major incidents at construction sites in the Nilgiris , resulting in the deaths of 11 people, all from marginalized backgrounds. Since 2016 , at least five incidents have occurred, leading to the deaths of at least 16 people. All 16 deaths were caused by landslips and wall collapses at construction sites. Five more people have suffered serious injuries in these incidents. Concerns Raised by Activists Call for HACA Suspension Venugopal Dharmalingam , honorary director of the Nilgiri Documentation Center (NDC) , has written to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin , calling for the suspension of the Hill Area Conservation Authority (HACA) . He argues that the reckless sanctioning of building permits on steep slopes endangers the fragile ecology and causes frequent deaths of poor construction workers. Allegations Against HACA Mr. Dharmalingam alleges that people are purchasing land along steep slopes at cheap prices, constructing unauthorized roads, and building structures without proper knowledge of slope stability, drainage, or potential damage to lower lands. Original Intention vs. Current Functioning of HACA He states that HACA was originally intended to protect hill areas by balancing conflicting priorities but has been converted into a building sanctioning body against its original purpose. Demand for Accountability Mr. Dharmalingam calls for HACA to be held liable for accidents at construction sites and suggests suspending the committee until a thorough review is conducted and appropriate safeguards are incorporated into the sanctioning procedure. Government Response A top official from the Nilgiris district administration stated that the Department of Geology and Mining is responsible for surveying construction sites and recommending safety protocols. The official added that the land owners in the recent Jagathala incident had permission for residential construction and that a report has been submitted by the Nilgiris district collector. Further Concerns Another Coonoor -based activist pointed out that while the Department of Geology and Mining recommends safety procedures, local panchayats and district administrations need to ensure these recommendations are implemented before construction begins. UPSC Relevance This issue is relevant to GS3 (Environment, Disaster Management) and GS2 (Governance) . It highlights the challenges of balancing development with environmental protection and ensuring worker safety in ecologically sensitive areas. The role and effectiveness of regulatory bodies like HACA are also important considerations.