Mundakkai- Chooralmala landslide: All eligible victims would have new houses by December, Minister K Rajan tells Kerala Kaumudi

KOZHIKODE: With a heavy heart, Revenue Minister K. Rajan visited the Mundakkai–Chooralmala region yesterday, which had been devastated by a landslide a year ago. “I know that no matter what we give, it will never heal their pain,” the minister said, adding that the government is doing everything possible to help. He assured that all eligible victims would have new houses by December. The minister was speaking to Kerala Kaumudi.

How do you feel standing in Chooralmala after a year?

“It’s not just a year. The pain here will never subside no matter how many year passes. The only solace is that the government is doing everything it can within its limitations. Yet, we know this will never truly compensate for their losses.

There is criticism that the government lacks sincerity in rehabilitation?

That criticism comes from outsiders, not from the victims. We are moving forward by including everyone who may have been left out of earlier rehabilitation efforts. There were 402 beneficiaries. Among them, 107 people said they preferred money instead of houses; they were granted Rs 15 lakh each. Yesterday’s cabinet meeting included an additional 49 people who were newly found eligible. All houses will be completed before this December. By the dawn of the New Year, everyone will have a home. The work toward this goal is in progress.

There were protests from traders as well?

The first priority was given to families who lost their homes and loved ones. Even then, those who lost their business establishments were not forgotten. A proper assessment of such losses was underway. Yesterday’s cabinet meeting also decided on this matter. The losses of traders will be verified and compensation will be provided from the relief fund within the same time frame. The District Collector has been tasked with this.

There is criticism that the central government ignored the issue?

That is something Kerala and the entire country discussed widely. They even demanded Rs 120 crore as rent for the helicopters used in rescue operations during the floods. But we can never forget the services rendered by the armed forces — they were the guardians in the face of disaster. At that time, the entire state stood united. People rushed for rescue efforts like another flood of humanity. We bow before them.