The Central Government informed the Kerala High Court that a high-level panel has sanctioned Rs.153 crore in assistance for Wayanad. The funds aim to address developmental and relief needs in the region. This announcement follows judicial scrutiny over pending allocations, underscoring the Centre’s commitment to regional welfare.
Kochi: The Centre informed the Kerala High Court that a high-level committee has approved approximately Rs 153 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for relief efforts related to the Wayanad landslide disaster.
The Centre also noted that the Kerala government submitted its request for Rs 2,219 crore for recovery and reconstruction only on November 13, and that this request is currently under review.
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In a statement presented to the High Court, the Centre detailed that the approved amount of Rs 153.467 crore is contingent upon adjusting 50 percent of the remaining funds in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) account for this specific disaster.
Additionally, the committee has sanctioned “air bills for airdropping essential supplies and rescue operations, based on actual costs incurred as per the bills submitted by the Indian Air Force,” as well as assistance for debris clearance, contingent upon the actual use of heavy machinery.
The committee’s decision on November 16 was made following recommendations from the Sub Committee of the National Executive Committee (SC-NEC), which evaluated a report from the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) that conducted an on-site assessment of the damage in the landslide-affected areas of Wayanad.
The Centre reiterated that the Kerala government’s proposal for Rs 2,219.033 crore for recovery and reconstruction is being reviewed according to the guidelines governing the Constitution and Administration of the Recovery and Reconstruction Funding Window under the NDRF/SDRF.
The statement noted,
“… further necessary action will be taken in accordance with the aforementioned guidelines issued by the central government,”
It added that the state government had submitted a memorandum on August 19 requesting additional assistance of Rs 214.68 crore from the Centre to provide immediate temporary relief.
The Centre’s statement filed in response to a plea initiated by the High Court aimed at the prevention and management of natural disasters in the state, following the landslides that severely impacted three villages in Wayanad district and resulted in over 200 fatalities.
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Wayanad, a district in Kerala known for its scenic landscapes and dense forests, is highly prone to landslides due to its hilly terrain, heavy rainfall, and deforestation.
Landslides in Wayanad often lead to:
- Loss of Lives and Property: Severe destruction of homes, roads, and agricultural land.
- Displacement: Many families are forced to evacuate, seeking shelter in relief camps.
- Environmental Impact: Damage to the ecosystem, including soil erosion and deforestation.
Efforts to mitigate landslides include afforestation, sustainable land use, and government aid for disaster relief and rehabilitation.