MEPPADI: The cabinet sub-committee said that a loophole-free system will be prepared to include all the families affected by the Mundakkai and Chooralmala disasters in the rehabilitation package. Revenue Minister K Rajan said that the government is taking steps to enable the rehabilitation of all the families affected by the landslides. The minister was speaking at an emergency meeting of the three-level panchayat presidents and secretaries at the APJ Hall of the Collectorate Planning Bhavan to ensure temporary resettlement of those in the relief camps.

Assistance will be provided to all eligible persons. There is no truth in the rumour that one has to register in the relief camps to be included in the resettlement scheme. The package is prepared based on data from landslide-prone areas. Local body chairmen and secretaries were directed to find vacant houses, quarters, flats, and hostels for temporary resettlement of those in school camps. Government hotels, quarters etc. will also be used for temporary resettlement. Many have informed that they are willing to let out houses and quarters wholly or partly for zero rent. The minister also informed that the government will take flat complexes for rent for the rehabilitation of the families. Public Works Minister PA Mohammed Riyas has announced that the joint search conducted by the police and the locals around the Chaliyar River will continue. Cabinet sub-committee members, ministers AK Saseendran, OR Kelu, T Siddique MLA, District Panchayat President Samshad Marakkar, Collector DR Meghasree, Special Officers Sambasiva Rao, A Kaushikan, Local Self-Government Department Director Narayanan and others participated in the meeting.

Rehabilitation: First consideration for nearby panchayats

The cabinet sub-committee informed that the first consideration for the rehabilitation of disaster victims will be given to nearby panchayats. Wayanad District Panchayat, Kalpatta Block Panchayat and Meppadi Gram Panchayat will be given first priority. The ministers also informed that the government's aim is to safely relocate the people living in the camps in a phased manner.