Two months since Wayanad landslides; where is relief package from central government?

Two months ago, Wayanad witnessed a catastrophe that shocked the minds of the whole of Kerala. Hundreds of people lost their lives in the landslide. Mundakkai, Chooralmala and Punchiri Mattam areas were almost completely wiped out. Those who lost their near and dear ones, their possessions and livelihoods, everything without even a spare set of clothes to change... Thus, there will not be a single person in these areas who has not been severely wounded by the landslide disaster. Wayanad and Kerala had to witness a natural disaster that was so heartening and unpleasant to remember. Philanthropists were pouring in with help from all over to wipe the tears of the people of Wayanad in this unparalleled tragedy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached Wayanad within days of the tragedy. He toured the disaster areas throughout the day. He met people's representatives, ministers, officials and rescue workers. Before returning from the visit, a meeting of state ministers and bureaucrats was convened and the Centre announced that it would provide all help to restore Wayanad. He assured that the money was not a hindrance and that the money would be sanctioned if a detailed memorandum was submitted. Believing the prime minister's words, the state submitted the request for a compensation package of Rs 2,000 crore. Unfortunately, no decision has been taken on the relief package request submitted by Kerala even after weeks. At a time when uncertainty over Kerala's memorandum exists, reports have emerged that Rs 600 crore has been sanctioned as flood relief to the Prime Minister's home state of Gujarat. Earlier, some states like Bihar were also granted similar emergency assistance.

What reason is the central government, which should give the same treatment to all states, going to give for this neglect and discrimination towards Kerala even after two months of the disaster? This is an approach that undermines the federal system. If the central government can provide assistance to flood victims in Gujarat and Bihar, Wayanad has every right to help for the unparalleled damage it has suffered. It is noteworthy that along with Gujarat, smaller states like Manipur and Tripura have also been given flood relief assistance. It has been many days since the central team returned after visiting the disaster areas in Wayanad. What is the justification for not making a decision yet? Though the Rs 2,000 crore demanded by Kerala may not be given in one go, at least a part of it can be sanctioned in advance.

Even during the 2018 floods, Kerala had to face a similar bad experience. Even then, Kerala did not get much help except that the prime minister visited the flood-affected areas and returned after promising help. There may be norms for sanctioning natural disaster assistance. However, beyond the norms, it is customary to provide emergency assistance promptly when it is needed. It is not right to create a situation that makes the people say that the promises made by the Prime Minister to the people of Wayanad were hollow. Let's not forget that hundreds of families affected by the disaster are looking forward to assistance, trusting the prime minister's words. Political and regional interests should not in any way come in the way of help during natural calamities like this. There should also be a collective effort by people's representatives from the state to make the central assistance a reality as soon as possible.