Today, On 16th August, The Kerala High Court decided to conduct weekly hearings on flood relief and preventive measures following the Wayanad landslides. The court has requested updates on scientific studies, rehabilitation efforts for victims, and the identification of vulnerable areas to prevent future environmental disasters.
Wayanad: The Kerala High Court, On Friday, announced its decision to conduct weekly hearings every Friday to track the progress of rehabilitation efforts in Wayanad following the recent devastating landslides.
The court will also assess preventive measures to avoid future disasters.
The division bench, comprising Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Syam Kumar VM, emphasized the importance of a holistic and balanced approach to developmental activities to prevent environmental calamities, such as the Wayanad floods.
The Court inquired,
“Are we identifying any other vulnerable data? Is there a scientific perspective that can definitively explain why this incident occurred?”
Additionally, the Court emphasized the necessity of thoroughly reviewing all pertinent legislation to comprehend the policies related to mitigating environmental disasters and preserving ecological balance.
To maintain continuous and effective oversight, the Court declared that the case would be scheduled for review every Friday. During these sessions, the Court will seek updates on several critical aspects, including:
- Scientific studies conducted on the affected areas in Wayanad;
- Ongoing rehabilitation efforts for victims;
- Concurrent identification of other vulnerable areas;
- Preventive measures being implemented.
The Court also specified that this matter will be the first item on the agenda each Friday.
The Court stated,
“We require updates on several key issues: the status of scientific studies, particularly those focusing on Wayanad, which should continue until the monsoon. Over time, these studies can be expanded to other areas to identify vulnerable regions. We also need weekly updates on victim rehabilitation, the identification of other vulnerable areas in Wayanad, discussions on preventive measures, and the relocation of affected people.”
During the hearing, Advocate General Gopalakrishna Kurup K provided data on the disaster’s impact, reporting that,
“231 bodies have been recovered, with at least 378 individuals injured and approximately 128 still missing.”
The estimated loss due to the landslides amounts to Rs. 1,200 crore.
The AG detailed the infrastructure damage, noting,
“The disaster destroyed 3 bridges, 126 community buildings, 1,555 houses, 2 schools, around 1.5 km of rural roads, and caused significant loss of land and livestock.”
He also informed the Court that several relief camps have been established, where many victims are currently sheltered.
Additionally, Amicus Curiae Senior Counsel Ranjith Thampan submitted a report, which the Court will review in the next hearing.
The Court also included several other entities in the case, such as the National Highways Authority, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Central Water Commission, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, and the National Remote Sensing Centre.