Assistance to Wayanad; 'follow-up of disaster becoming another disaster'; Centre's stand should be informed within two weeks: HC

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has directed the Central government to inform its stand within two weeks on the issue of sanctioning financial assistance to Wayanad, which was hit by a landslide. It should be informed when funds from the National Disaster Response Fund and the Prime Minister's Distress Relief Fund can be released.

The high court asked how the amount in the petition submitted by the Kerala government seeking central assistance was calculated. The Advocate General replied that this is not the amount spent and an explanation can be given regarding calculating the estimated amount. The amicus curiae had brought to the notice of the court the criticism that the figures were exaggerated. The order was passed by a division bench comprising Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice VM Shyamkumar.

The amicus curiae had pointed out that central funds were allocated to other states affected by natural calamities. It was after this that the court directed the Additional Solicitor General to inform the Centre's stand by the 18th.

The Kerala Legal Services Authority (KELSA) informed that there are those who have not received the state government's emergency assistance of Rs 10,000, Rs 300 as livelihood assistance and Rs 6,000 as house rent, and there is no response even after informing the Wayanad district administration. The court expressed displeasure over the lack of coordination of the proceedings. The court also made a strong observation that "the follow-up of the disaster is becoming another disaster". The matter will be considered on the 11th. The progress will be monitored weekly. KELSA was made a party. The court had tasked KELSA to provide legal aid to the victims. The suo motu case taken up in the wake of the Wayanad tragedy and public interest litigations are being considered.

Quarries and constructions should be regulated

• Quarries and constructions in eco-sensitive areas should be regulated, the court said. Large-scale relaxations should not be allowed in the residential areas here. The functioning of vigilance and monitoring committees formed at the state, district and division levels to monitor these matters should be streamlined. The report should be submitted to the district collectors monthly.
• The court directed that the construction work in the township should be regulated. Advocate General K Gopalakrishna Kurup said the government has identified 87 hectares of land in Kalpetta and Kottappady villages for rehabilitation and the cabinet has approved the construction of the township. 1110 families will be given 10 cents each.