Wayanad rehabilitation: Govt will take over Nedumpala and Elstone estates

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The cabinet meeting decided to take over the Nedumpala estate in Meppadi panchayat and the Elstone estate in Kalpetta Municipality under the Disaster Management Act, to build model townships for rehabilitating landslide-affected people in Wayanad. The government had sought expert advice, including that of the Advocate General, on the legal issues involved in acquiring the most suitable sites. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in a press conference that the government decided to take up the lands under the Disaster Management Act as it needed the land as soon as possible.

Families who lost their houses and land in the disaster will be rehabilitated in the first phase. Families in places that are no longer habitable will be included in the second phase. he Wayanad District Collector will publish a draft list of beneficiaries for both phases. The Revenue Department has been tasked to issue detailed instructions for finalizing the list.