Rehabilitation should not be delayed

The Kerala cabinet has decided to take over two estates to rehabilitate those affected by the recent landslides in Wayanad. It is planning to take over Nedumpala estate in Meppadi panchayat and Elston estate in Kalpetta municipality to establish model townships. To bypass legal and technical obstacles, the acquisition will be conducted under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act. Since tasks like constructing townships need to be completed swiftly, it is commendable that the government is addressing potential challenges early on. The government's duty and accountability towards the people of Wayanad, who lost their homes and properties in the landslides, will only be fulfilled when they are relocated promptly to a secure area.

The two estates identified for rehabilitation purposes are deemed most suitable for the new township. The government should hold discussions with the estate owners as soon as possible to initiate the acquisition process. If necessary, a special committee should be appointed to facilitate this. It's customary for bureaucratic hurdles to hinder good initiatives like this. The people of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Punchirmattam, and other villages, who suffered greatly from natural disasters, are now eagerly waiting with hope for a new place to settle down. It will be of great help if the construction of the township can commence by the time a year passes since the landslide disaster. The families who lost both their homes and lands will be considered in the first phase of the rehabilitation project. Those who lost land irretrievably will be included in the second phase.

The District Collector will publish the list of families eligible for rehabilitation in the first two phases. The Revenue Department will announce the eligibility criteria. Revenue authorities have already prepared a list regarding the damages. The authorities must arrange a system where those with complaints will get an opportunity to resolve them. Necessary official arrangements should be put in place for this. Along with the implementation of the rehabilitation project, the cabinet has also decided to provide emergency assistance to eligible individuals. Children who lost their parents will be given Rs 10 lakhs each as assistance. Additionally, the government has decided to offer a job to Shruti, who lost all her family members, including her parents, in the disaster.

The central government's reluctance to grant special assistance for Wayanad's rehabilitation efforts is putting the state government in a significant bind. The state can carry forward the works vigorously if it receives financial assistance from the Centre.