Geoscientist C.P. Rajendran, a member of the state‑appointed expert team, said a comprehensive probe is essential to determine the exact causes of the debris slip at Kalladi near the Anakkampoyil‑Kalladi‑Meppadi tunnel road entrance in Wayanad. The disaster, which occurred on July 7, 2026, prompted the formation of a multidisciplinary panel that visited the site on July 23. Rajendran warned that a hasty conclusion is impossible and that the team will scrutinise whether any unscientific construction practices were carried out in the area. The panel is scheduled to inspect the Anakkampoyil entrance of the tunnel road in Kozhikode on July 24.

The panel also includes Chief Wildlife Warden P. Pugazhendi, environmental scientist Vishnudas, hydrologist Sarmistha Singh, civil‑engineering expert Sreevalsa Kolathayar (NIT Karnataka), engineering specialist Ankesh Kumar, and structural‑engineering specialist Madhu Karthik M. (both from IIT Palakkad).

Their mandate covers identifying the tragedy’s root causes, reviewing environmental clearances granted by the Union and State governments, assessing approvals from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and verifying whether the construction contractor complied with all prescribed guidelines.