Centre to provide assistance to Wayanad as per norms; severe criticism against LDF and UDF; high court with five questions

KOCHI: The central government informed the High Court that steps are being taken to provide assistance in the Wayanad landslide disaster. The report was submitted by the State of Kerala at an estimated cost of Rs 2219.033 crore for rehabilitation and restoration projects. Assistance will be provided as per norms.

A high-level committee meeting held on November 16 approved the release of Rs 153,467 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund( NDRF). On August 19, the State of Kerala had applied for additional assistance of Rs 214.68 crore for temporary rehabilitation. The central team submitted its report before the national executive committee, which met on October 1 under the chairmanship of the home secretary. Rs 153.467 crore was sanctioned following this.

The funds were provided for the rescue mission by air, distribution of food and the cost of using machines to move rocks and other debris. This information was given in an affidavit filed by Ashish V Gawai, Director, Disaster Management, Ministry of Home Affairs.

Hartal another Tragedy: High Court

Criticism for the government and the opposition

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has termed the hartal called by the LDF and UDF to protest against the Centre's neglect of Wayanad as another tragedy. The court also warned that no one should think that the court will sit idle. The court was considering the suo motu case taken up in connection with the reconstruction of Wayanad.

"Such anti-social activities are unacceptable. Even God does not know what is happening in Kerala, god's own country. Will any foreign tourist come to this country?" the division bench comprising Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice KV Jayakumar asked. The hartal was called on Tuesday to protest against the stand that the Mundakkai and Chooralmala landslides were not a national disaster.

The government should be ready to stay away from anti-people activities. The opposition's assurance that there will be no flash hartal was also in vain. Notice should be given 15 days before the hartal. Seeing all this makes the court feel sorry and surprised.

Won't you let the poor work and live?

(Five questions from the court)

1. What is the benefit of hartal except that people can be harassed?
2. Won't those affected by disaster be allowed to go to work and live?
3. Are you exploiting fear and helplessness?
4. Will there be any help received if a hartal is held against the Centre?
5. Will those who are accountable to the people hold a hartal?