Government spending on Wayanad disaster: RTI figures reveal more spent on volunteers than victims

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The figures obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act show that the government spent more on volunteers involved in Wayanad disaster relief efforts than on direct aid to victims. These figures have been confirmed by a court report referred to in a government affidavit.

According to the report, ₹14 crore was spent on transportation and food for the volunteers alone. Meanwhile, the government allocated ₹2.76 crore for the cremation of 359 bodies, estimating a cost of ₹75,000 per body.

Breaking down the expenses further, ₹4 crore was spent solely on volunteer transportation, ₹2.98 crore on user kits, ₹2 crore on medical facilities, ₹15 crore on accommodation, and ₹10 crore on food and water. These figures include costs related to military personnel assisting in the relief efforts.

Other significant expenditures include ₹1 crore for the construction of a Bailey bridge, ₹7 crore for generator rentals to provide power in 17 relief camps for 30 days, and ₹17 crore for helicopter airlifting services provided by the Indian Air Force. Additionally, ₹12 crore was spent on vehicle services for evacuating affected people, ₹15 crore on JCBs, Hitachis and cranes for rescue operations and ₹8 crore on food for camp residents. Clothing for those in relief camps amounted to ₹11 crore.

Medical expenses included ₹8 crore for medical examinations and ₹3 crore each for drone and radar rentals and DNA testing.