Allegations of extravagant spending of relief funds: 728 families waiting for central assistance

KALPETTA: As many as 728 families in Wayanad are waiting for central assistance amid allegations of extravagant spending of relief funds. Though Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Wayanad and returned after assessing the impact of the disaster, the central government is yet to announce any assistance. The government's affidavit that it has an expenditure of Rs 1,202 crore in connection with the disaster is also upsetting the victims. According to the government, these are relevant parts of the memorandum submitted to the Centre for immediate assistance.

Rehabilitation is possible only when central assistance is received. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had reached Delhi and apprised the Prime Minister about the situation. As many as 2,569 people from 728 families have been temporarily rehabilitated. They are in Meppadi, Mooppainad, Vythiri, Muttil, Ambalavayal, Vengapally, Kaniyambatta, Meenangadi grama panchayats and various parts of Kalpetta municipality. There are 585 families living in rented houses, government quarters and relatives' houses.

The process of setting up a township for the disaster victims is in progress. 1,000-square-foot single-storey houses will be constructed. Elstone Estate adjacent to Kalpetta Bypass and Nedumbala HML Estate in Meppadi Grama Panchayath are the places identified for the township.

2569 people waiting for homes

Meppadi-263 Families

Kalpetta-113

Muppainaad-92

Muttil-43

Kaniyambatta-26

Vythiri-17

Ambalavayal-16

Vengapally-10

Meenangadi-5

What the state did

• Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and submitted a memorandum.
• A team led by the chief secretary visited Wayanad and collected information.
• A team led by Dr John Mathai identified five areas for the rehabilitation of the people and handed over the report to the State Disaster Management Authority.