Mundakkai landslides: Central assistance getting delayed

KALPETTA: It's been a month since the devastating landslides in Mundakkai, but Kerala is yet to receive financial assistance from the Centre. Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the disaster site and assessing the situation, the state's requested package remains unannounced. Kerala had submitted a detailed memorandum to the Prime Minister on August 18, as requested. However, the Centre claims that Kerala's failure to announce a detailed plan is causing the delay in providing aid.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Wayanad on August 10 to assess the situation. The state is still waiting for the Centre's aid package, leaving many affected by the disaster in limbo.

The UDF and LDF have condemned the delay in announcing central assistance, calling it "protest-worthy". With the by-election in the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency expected to be announced soon, aid procedures will likely be delayed. Hence, the announcement should be made as soon as possible. Kerala had submitted a plan worth ₹1500 crores in the first phase and ₹2000 crores in the second phase. The comprehensive plan included complete rehabilitation and basic infrastructure development. The plan encompasses the reconstruction of houses, institutions, roads, bridges, schools, places of worship, and other essential facilities. However, large-scale projects will not materialize if central assistance is not announced.

The BJP leadership has assured that central aid will not be delayed. However, district president Prashant Malavayal attributed the delay to the vagueness of the memorandum submitted by the state. He pointed out that the memorandum lacks clarity on the land required for rehabilitation and the estimated cost of rehabilitation.

"The state government has not provided clear details about the land needed for rehabilitation. Additionally, there is ambiguity regarding the exact amount required for rehabilitation," Prashant Malavayal said.