Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have strongly criticized the central government for its lack of support in the rehabilitation of Wayanad landslide victims. The leaders accused the Centre of failing to provide adequate assistance and only offering a loan that needs to be repaid, which they deemed insufficient for the scale of the disaster.
Vijayan highlighted that Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had already allotted Rs. 20 crore for the construction of 100 homes for the affected families, whereas the Centre had only provided a loan of Rs. 529 crore. This loan is seen as inadequate for the long-term rehabilitation of those displaced by the devastating landslide that occurred on July 30, 2024, claiming 266 lives and leaving 32 people missing. "Owing to this attitude of the Centre, there is no hope of receiving further assistance," said Vijayan.
During a ceremony to lay the foundation stone for a township designed to rehabilitate the victims, Vijayan emphasized that the state's joint efforts, transcending political differences, were pivotal in starting the project. Despite the lack of central support, the state government has moved forward with the rehabilitation efforts, starting the work within eight months. Vijayan described the rehabilitation as a collective effort, with contributions from all sections of society, including the Karnataka government, and expressed confidence that it would become a model for future efforts.
Priyanka Gandhi also expressed frustration with the Centre's response, noting that, despite repeated requests, only a negligible amount of assistance had been provided. She echoed Vijayan's sentiment, emphasizing that the rehabilitation process was a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders.
Opposition Leader V D Satheesan, meanwhile, urged the government to expedite the rehabilitation process and ensure that the remaining work is completed without further delays. He also called for free treatment for those still suffering from the injuries caused by the landslide.
The township, being developed on a 64-hectare site at Elstone Estate in Kalpetta, will feature climate-resilient homes. The first phase of rehabilitation will benefit 242 families, with each house covering 1000 square feet of land.
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