THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has announced a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakhs to those who died in the Elanthur train attack. The decision in this regard was taken during the cabinet meeting held today. Financial assistance to the families of deceased persons will be provided from Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. The money will be handed over to the dependants/families of KP Noufeek, Rehmath and Sehra.

Munnar Hill Area Authority to be formed

Munnar Hill Area Authority will be formed to enable sustainable development in the Munnar region, take appropriate decisions regarding illegal encroachments and constructions and protect the environmental characteristics of the region. Munnar Hill Area Authority will be constituted as per section 51 of Kerala Town and Country Planning Act, 2016 by including panchayats/ regions such as Munnar, Devikulam, Marayoor, Edamalakkudy, Kanthalloor, Vattavada, Mankulam, regions excluding wards 8 and 9 of Chinnakkanal panchayat and ward 4, 5 of Pallivasal panchayat. The cabinet has approved the structure of the authority. As part of this, a gazette notification will be issued by announcing these regions as a joint planning area.

A joint planning committee will be formed to prepare the master plan for the joint planning area. The provisions regarding the formation of the Munnar Hill Area Authority have been approved. Appointments will be made as per the Kerala Town and Country Planning Act.

2 crore provided by Yusuff Ali will be utilized

The cabinet has decided to utilize Rs 2 crore donated to the Chief Minister's relief fund by prominent businessman MA Yusuff Ali to provide financial assistance to dependents of deceased and injured persons in the Puttingal temple fire.