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Kerala Kaumudi Online
Wednesday, 19 February 2025 8.23 PM IST

Wayanad rehabilitation project is a humanitarian project, not luxury scheme: High Court

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KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has dismissed complaints from individuals claiming that the houses and compensation to be provided by the government as part of the Wayanad rehabilitation project are inadequate. Criticising demands for higher financial assistance, the court emphasized that the project is a humanitarian one, not a luxury scheme.

The court noted that there is an amicus curiae to convey concerns and that the court cannot be treated informally like a local governing body where anyone can show up and make demands. The court reassured individuals that if there were any lapses on the government's part, it would intervene, and there was no need for undue anxiety. The court raised the criticism by dismissing the complaints of individuals named Baiju Thomas and Sabu Stephen.

The Division Bench, comprising Justice Dr AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice S Eashwaran, emphasized the importance of humanitarian practicality over individual preferences, stating that the township project aims to ensure a safe living environment for all.

The government is distributing the available funds and land equally among eligible beneficiaries. The court also refused to accept the complainants' arguments that the houses built in previous disasters were not strong enough and were leaking. The court will consider the case again on the 31st.

Government's decision is practical

1. The government's decision to provide either a house worth Rs 10 lakh in the township or a compensation of Rs 15 lakhs is practical. If a beneficiary does not want a house in the township, he will be provided Rs 15 lakhs to buy a house of his choice

2. The government has undertaken the responsibility to relocate people from disaster-affected areas to safer locations. Special consideration cannot be given to a few individuals.

3. There is nothing wrong with awarding the construction contract to the Uralungal Society. The government's explanation that the action was taken in view of the emergency situation is satisfactory

TAGS: WAYANAD REHABILITATION PROJECT, KERALA, HIGH COURT
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