CT Thomas has dug through laterite slopes next to his house in Kannur to create a 25-metre cave
It was a vacation trip to Thailand that inspired 69-year-old CT Thomas to take a pickaxe and shovel and dig a 25-metre tunnel through a hillside next to his home in Peruvamba Eramam Kuttar village panchayat in Kerala’s Kannur district.
Aroused their enthusiasm by a tunnel cave built by residents of a Thai island, Mr. Thomas decided to replicate the novelty in the laterite hill slope adjacent to his home. Six months later, his efforts have paid off despite local protests and the tunnel cave is now a popular attraction, including for those who warned him against it.
The entrance to the tunnel that CT Thomas dug through a hill in the Kannur district of Kerala. Photo: Special Arrangements
Aware of the fragility of the slopes and amidst dire warnings of a tunnel collapse, Mr Thomas worked on the tunnel, avoiding electrical equipment with only his trusty pickaxe that could damage the rocks. The COVID lockdown gave him free time, he started working at a place near his house, which is built on a similar laterite slope.
“I removed all the soil after working 14 hours without any electrical machinery or outside labour,” said Mr. Thomas, his job depending on his age. All he had was a torch to dig a six-feet high tunnel through a laterite hill. Even though the work is tiring, it gives a feeling of joy and satisfaction as one goes on digging deep inside the hill. They said.
The tunnel opens in front of their house and extends for about 25 meters through the hill to the rear of their house. There are small chambers inside the tunnel and there are full grown rubber trees on top of the tunnel, which keep the tunnel cool at all times.
not done yet
However, Mr Thomas is not finished with his work and continues to dig the tunnel so that he can reach the other side of the hill.
He said though the family members were initially apprehensive, after six months of hard work, they were impressed by the tunnel and were supporting him. Believing the fear of its neighbors, the tunnel has stood firm for months. And of those who were against it, many now come to spend time in the tunnel. Once completed, Mr. Thomas intends to open the rocky path to visitors.
,