The Kerala High Court on Friday (10th Jan) has noted the Central government’s approval to release Rs 120 crores in arrears for Wayanad’s disaster relief, amidst ongoing disputes over financial assistance. The funds, aimed at aiding rehabilitation from landslides, may be used prior to further financial evaluations and are in line with the Disaster Management Act.
Borewell accidents show that the 2010 Supreme Court safety guidelines are not being followed properly. The court took suo motu action after many cases of children falling into open borewells. Even with clear rules, these incidents still happen, causing dangerous situations and rescue operations. There is an urgent need to enforce these safety measures more strictly to stop such accidents.
The Central Government has sanctioned Rs.153 crore for relief and development in Wayanad following a landslide disaster. This funding, contingent on state contributions, addresses immediate recovery needs. Kerala has also requested Rs.2,219 crore for comprehensive reconstruction, which is under review. The region, prone to landslides, faces severe humanitarian and environmental challenges.
Today, On 25th October, The Kerala High Court ruled that the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming Lok Sabha by-elections must not hinder ongoing relief efforts in landslide-affected Wayanad, emphasizing the protection of ecological areas during campaigning. The Court also mandated adherence to eco-friendly practices and called for an assessment of residents’ financial conditions due to accumulated debts.