A bench comprising Justices A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Mohammed Nias C.P. questioned the prolonged delays in disbursing funds, describing the situation as turning into “another disaster.” The court emphasized the importance of providing precise figures while seeking assistance from the Centre.
![[Wayanad Landslides] Kerala High Court Says 'Inaccurate' Data on Disaster Relief Funds by SDMA](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/H.C-Kerala.jpg?resize=820%2C461&ssl=1)
Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Saturday (7th Dec) criticized the state government and its State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) for presenting “inaccurate” figures related to the funds for rehabilitating areas affected by landslides in Wayanad.
A bench comprising Justices A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Mohammed Nias C.P. questioned the prolonged delays in disbursing funds, describing the situation as turning into “another disaster.” The court emphasized the importance of providing precise figures while seeking assistance from the Centre.
The bench observed shortcomings in auditing and fund management, directing the state government and SDMA to submit accurate details regarding the funds.
Specifically, it ordered clarity on the allocation, utilization, and remaining balance from the Rs. 677 crore State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) designated for rehabilitation.
Earlier, 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
READ ALSO: [Wayanad Landslide] Kerala HC Urges Swift Compensation for Wayanad Landslide Victims
The state government assured the court that it would furnish the requested details by Thursday. The bench also advised the government to avoid shifting blame or adopting an approach that disrespects disaster victims.
The court’s remarks followed the presentation of financial accounts by the SDMA Finance Officer, who appeared in compliance with Friday’s directive to clarify the financial requirements for reconstruction and rehabilitation in Wayanad, affected by landslides in July this year.
The court had earlier sought details on the disaster relief fund’s status, including the amount available before the disaster, the portion allocated by the Centre, and the expenditure so far. These queries arose during the hearing of a suo motu petition regarding natural disaster prevention and management in Kerala, prompted by the devastating landslides in Wayanad that claimed over 200 lives and impacted three villages.
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