T’puram: State human rights commission (SHRC) directed executive engineer of the national highway wing of PWD to inspect the controversial U-turn near Sreeragam Kalyana Mandapam at Pappanamcode on the Karamana-Kaliyikkavila NH and take steps to prevent recurring accidents.The directive was issued by SHRC chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas while considering a complaint that the U-turn, earlier closed after a series of accidents, had been reopened unilaterally by vested interests.A report submitted by Nemom SI said locals and business owners had protested attempts to close the U-turn, arguing that closure would disrupt traffic movement in the area. Temporary barricades and other objects placed to block the U-turn were later removed, the report said.Police also informed the commission that the authority to close or retain the U-turn rests with NH officials.SHRC directed executive engineer to conduct a site inspection and implement safety measures, if required, to eliminate accident risks. The complaint was filed by activist Ragam Rahim.
