Wayanad rehabilitation: Government not showing interest, says opposition; ministers deny

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The opposition alleged in the assembly that the enthusiasm shown initially by the government in the rehabilitation work in Wayanad, where the landslide occurred, is no longer there. The adjournment motion moved by T Siddique, who is also the Kalpetta MLA, alleged that central assistance could not be obtained, there is a delay in acquiring land for the township and the announced assistance was not given to the affected people. Wayanad rehabilitation was discussed for three hours from 12 noon today.

Siddique alleged that the government has not learnt its lesson from the natural calamities and even when the backward state of Odisha is taking precautionary measures to reduce the magnitude of the calamities, Kerala is struggling with it. "The help did not come even though the Prime Minister came. The Prime Minister returned after doing a photo shoot. A 72-day search was conducted to rescue Arjun, who was trapped in a disaster in Karnataka but in Wayanad, 47 people who went under the dirt are yet to be traced," he said.

Replying to this, the revenue minister clarified that there was no lapse in the rehabilitation and the government was still ready if asked to conduct a search. Minister Kelu said that the rehabilitation work is going on on a war-footing and chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that everything possible has been done to provide central assistance. The High Court has also intervened in the issue. Steps have been taken to set up scientific systems to predict disasters, the CM said.

PK Kunhalikutty said that there was a flood of promises but in the end, it was in a state of darkness. The government had promised to waive off the loan but it did not happen. Kunhalikutty asked what was preventing the government from getting land for rehabilitation. Opposition leader VD Satheesan said the resolution was not brought to criticise the government. "There are concerns that if the by-election is held, Wayanad rehabilitation will get stuck in the code of conduct. The proceedings should be expedited. The opposition will be in support," VD Satheesan said. KK Shailaja said it was not right to politically oppose the collection of relief funds and EK Vijayan said that even after the prime minister did a photoshoot, help did not come.
IC Balakrishnan pointed out that there should be more coordination in the rehabilitation activities. Mons Joseph said that the central neglect should be tackled together. PTA Rahim said that MPs should try to utilise the PM fund for rehabilitation activities. KK Rema said that Wayanad should not have the laziness that happened in Puthumala and Kavalappara.