Foundation stone to be laid for Wayanad township on 27th: Opposition walks out of assembly in protest

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Revenue Minister K. Rajan told the assembly that the foundation stone of the township, which will be built to rehabilitate the landslide victims in Wayanad, will be laid on the 27th of this month. The township is located in Elstone Estate in Kalpetta. 430 houses are being built.

The opposition walked out, alleging that even after eight months of the disaster, the government has not been able to complete even the list of beneficiaries and that there are 43 complaints related to the first phase of the list prepared.

T. Siddique, who presented the urgent resolution notice, alleged that the second list could not be completed and that a hearing is underway on the third list. The inability to complete the list is due to the government's apathy. There have been actions criticising the panchayats that tried to help the government. Siddique demanded that at least 10 cents of land be given to each beneficiary.

Minister Rajan clarified that they will move forward together without playing politics and that there is a micro plan for the rehabilitation of 1112 families. The 32 missing people will be considered dead, and certificates will be issued. Those who have lost their livelihood, including jeep drivers, will be rehabilitated. The government will bear the entire cost of further treatment. Damaged roads and bridges will be rebuilt. The minister said that six helipads will be constructed.

Serious lapse: Opposition leader

In his walkout speech, opposition leader V.D. Satheesan said that the lack of a list of disaster victims and the lack of treatment for the injured is a serious lapse. What action has been taken for the education of children? He also accused that money was given to build six helipads without providing medical assistance, livelihood, or farmland to the disaster victims. P.K. Kunhalikutty, P.J. Joseph, Anoop Jacob, and K.K. Rama also gave walkout speeches.