SALEM: Two construction workers were killed in a sudden landslide that occurred at the construction site of an unapproved hotel in Yercaud hills near here on Monday.
At least 18 workers were involved in the construction of a posh hotel near Yercaud lake, when the incident happened. The landslip was triggered by heavy rains that pounded Yercaud on Monday.
“Two workers identified as A Dinesh, 27, and R Balamurugan, 25, got buried in the mud and died on the spot,” police said.
On receiving information, the Yercaud police rushed to the spot and retrieved their bodies, which were then sent for post-mortem at the Salem government hospital.
A large number of public resorted to road-roko on the busy Salem-Yercaud Road demanding action against illegal constructions in the hills. They alleged that rocks are blasted illegally to construct unapproved hotels and lodges.
The protestors however withdrew their agitation after police officials rushed to the spot and held talks with them.
Social activist A Radhakrishnan said that only two hotels have got approvals and others are operating illegally in the hills. “The district administration officials have failed to curb illegal constructions despite highlighting the issue by petitioning them several times. Criminal action should be pressed against the hotel owner for carrying out construction without valid permission,” he said.
The Deccan Chronicle had on March 17 highlighted the threat of landslides in Yercaud due to mushrooming of illegal constructions. There are over 300 lodges and guesthouses in the hills without approvals and licenses from Town and Country Planning Authority and the Hill Area Conservation Authority.
