Every penny raised will be used for Wayanad, will rebuild all houses: CM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that foreign environmental architects will be brought in to implement rehabilitation and townships in Chooralmala and Mundakkai in Wayanad which were recently hit by landslides. Speaking at a press conference, the Chief Minister said that every money raised will be used for Wayanad.

"We have not estimated how much money will be needed for rehabilitation. The government will definitely raise sufficient money required for the rehabilitation of the affected people. The government will directly implement the project. Whether the township should be situated in the disaster area itself or somewhere else will shortly be decided by the authorities. The Vellarmala Govt School, destroyed by the landslide, will be rebuilt under the same name. We will rebuild all houses in the region," the CM said.

"Buildings that are severely damaged and liable to collapse will be demolished as per the Disaster Management Act. The Public Works Department will calculate the compensation. The Disaster Management Authority will conduct a 'Post Disaster Needs Assessment'," the CM said.

180 working days through the employment guarantee scheme.

Wards 10, 11 and 12 directly affected by the landslide in Meppadi Gram Panchayat have been declared disaster-affected areas. Here, 180 working days will be provided through the employment guarantee scheme. The Relief Commissioner has been assigned to take necessary steps for the visit of a four-member Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) headed by the Union Home Ministry Joint Secretary to the disaster area.

Salary challenge
It is agreed that government employees and those working in public sector institutions, aided schools and colleges will contribute at least five days' salary towards the reconstruction of Wayanad. Employees can opt to donate the money in multiple instalments or all at once. Those who pay in instalments should pay one day's salary in the next month and two days' salary in the following two months. Further actions will be taken through SPARK software.

Onam exams postponed
The first term examinations scheduled to be held from September 2 to 12 have been postponed in Vellarmala and Mundakkai schools. The new dates will be announced later.

Free electricity to three wards in Meppadi
Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty directed the KSEB to provide free power for six months in wards 10, 11 and 12 of the Meppadi panchayat which were hit by the landslides.