Air Force bill can be settled later: 120 crore for Wayanad rehabilitation

KOCHI: The central government has informed the High Court that the bill for the airlifting carried out by the Air Force in Kerala before 2021 in connection with the natural disaster rescue operation can be paid later. The Centre has issued a letter to the state government in this regard. The letter was presented to the Division Bench comprising Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice S Easwaran, which is hearing the Wayanad matter. The court allowed the government to spend Rs 120 crore, which is the old airlifting bill, for the rehabilitation of Wayanad victims.

The central government has also informed the court that the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide has been recognized as a disaster of severe nature. Hence more funds can be utilized for rehabilitation activities. The disaster response fund can also be used with this relaxation.

The Center had asked the state in October to pay the airlifting bill before 2021 of Rs 120 crore. After bringing this matter to its notice, the High Court asked the central government whether it could grant relaxation. The center clarified the matter today.

Baiju Paul Mathews, a native of Wayanad, had applied to join the case. He explained that he is the representative of the disaster victims. The court directed him to convey what he had to say to the amicus curiae. The matter will be taken up again on the 16th.