KOCHI: The state government told the High Court that the Centre should announce special financial assistance for rehabilitation projects in Wayanad and also called for a liberal approach in matters including waiving off bank loans. Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan, appearing for the Centre, told the court that Rs 782.99 crore, which is currently in the State Disaster Response Fund( SDRF), can be utilised for rehabilitation and the Centre will consider allocating more funds based on the state's detailed report.

The state has sought an additional assistance of Rs 214.68 crore, which is under the consideration of the Centre. The Centre said it would consider sanctioning assistance from the Prime Minister's Distress Relief Fund. Advocate General K Gopalakrishna Kurup, appearing for the state government, argued that the existing disaster relief fund is meant for the entire state and additional assistance is required for the Mundakkai and Chooralmala rehabilitation projects. The central government explained that the centre's share in the state disaster relief fund for the year 2024-25 is Rs 291.2 crore and the state share is Rs 96.8 crore.

The advocate general brought to the notice of the court that the estate owners were raising objections to the acquisition of land for the construction of the township for the rehabilitation of the disaster victims. A division bench of Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice VM Shyamkumar will hear the petition again next Friday.

Utilization of amount should be provided

• HC asked the state government to inform it for what purposes the funds allocated so far by the Centre have been utilised.
• Details of flood warning centres, observation centres, current conditions and how many people can be accommodated in hill stations should also be provided.
• In the case of bank loans, the court asked if a solution cannot be found if the Centre issues a circular
• The court directed the state government and the amicus curiae to file a reply in this regard.