33 farmers in Kavalappara facing foreclosure threat; govt yet to intervene

MALAPPURAM: Four years after the landslide at Muthappanmala in Kavalapara, which claimed 59 lives, 33 farmers who were abandoned by the government are in danger of losing their lands. The 25 acres of land that used to be covered with rubber, cashew, and teak trees are now just four-foot-tall sand dunes. Not even a single cent can be farmed. The tragedy happened on August 8, 2019.

While the government rehabilitated all 156 families who lost their homes in the landslides, it ignored the plight of the farmers. Although the farmers sought help from various people, they were unable to save themselves from the threat of foreclosure. Although the authorities promised in High Court that they will fix everything, nothing happened.

The Geology Department had issued an order not to use earthmoving machines within 200 meters of the area due to the possibility of landslides. Clumped soil cannot be removed without mechanical assistance.

With the region getting covered by forest, the region is also witnessing wild elephant attacks. Farmers are in a situation of losing their land. The farmers want the government to take over the land and pay compensation or make it suitable for agriculture.