Centre deserts Wayanad; Rehabilitation will be implemented in time-bound manner, FM announces Rs 750 crore

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Finance Minister K N Balagopal expressed hope that the Centre will show justice to Kerala in the Wayanad disaster. He said this while presenting the state budget. The minister, who said that the rehabilitation of Wayanad will be completed in a time-bound manner, also announced Rs 750 crore for this.

Minister’s words

Kerala is welcoming 2025 by announcing rehabilitation plan for Wayanad. A severe disaster occurred in Mundakkai and Chooralmala, which plunged Kerala into a sea of grief. 254 people lost their lives in the landslide that occurred on July 30, 2024. 44 people are still missing. 2007 houses were destroyed and thousands of people lost their livelihoods.

The disaster caused a loss of about Rs 1202 crore. A team of experts claimed that Rs 2202 crore will be required for rehabilitation. The Centre has not allocated any assistance in the Mundakkai-Chooralmala disaster in the Union Budget for 2025-26. The hope is that the Centre will show Kerala the same justice it has shown to other states.

The chief minister has repeatedly clarified the government's stance on this matter. Rehabilitation will be completed within a time frame. A scheme of Rs 750 crore is being announced for this. CMDRF, SDMA, funds from the public and private sectors, Corporate Social Responsibility Fund and sponsorships will also be used for this scheme. Additional funds will be allocated as required.