House for Babu, says V K Sreekandan MP; Rs 75 lakh spent from exchequer to rescue him

PALAKKAD: A house will be constructed for Babu, rescued from the steep hill in Malampuzha, said V K Sreekandan MP. The announcement was made amidst the birthday celebrations of Babu. Babu and his family are presently staying in a rented house.

Meantime, nearly Rs 75 lakh was spent from the state exchequer to rescue Babu from the hills. As per preliminary estimates by the Disaster Management Authority, the Coast Guard helicopter, air force helicopter, army and other rescue personnel alone were paid Rs 50 lakh.

The expense for a coast guard helicopter was Rs 2 lakh per hour. More than Rs 15 lakh was spent on mission teams including the Army. The youth got trapped in the steep hill last Monday afternoon. The rescue operation that started that day ended on Wednesday morning. The youth returned home on Friday after a two-day stay in the hospital. The amount will be more as some bills are yet to be received.

Babu and his friends climbed the hill Monday morning. His friends returned as they were not able to climb the steep hill but Babu continued his journey. He
slipped and fell into the steep hill while returning.