‘People from other states come and take videos'; only required volunteers are needed in Wayanad, says minister

KALPETTA: Minister P A Muhammad Riyas said some people are collecting money in the name of distributing food in the disaster areas of Wayanad. He responded to the media that a complaint has been received in this regard.

‘Only required volunteers are needed for volunteer activities. The volunteers are working well. No one is looked down upon, it needs proper control. Some come unnecessarily to the disaster area and take video. There are people from other states who see it as disaster tourism. What is seen as dark tourism needs to be curbed.

Similarly, there are people who cook food in good condition and distribute it very sincerely. We should respect them. However, some involved in rescue missions had problems with the food. This has been brought to the attention of the district administration as well. It is difficult for the soldiers having such issues.

There is a system for providing food during such rescue missions. Everything is popular in Kerala. Those who have been to Shirur know how much restrictions were there. It was the same with the food there. Therefore, there is a need to ensure the quality of food in disaster areas. As part of this, the inspection of the officials of the food department is going on.

There is also a system to deliver food where there is a complaint of non-availability of food. There should be no problem in this area. There should not be any unnecessary controversy in this regard. People delivering food are doing their work well. However, complaints have been raised that some people are collecting money in the name of distributing food. ‘It is very difficult for a very small minority to make such shortcomings when the great majority is very sincere,’ the minister said.