Wayanad landslide: Rs 712.98 cr in CMDRF, but no aid from Centre

The Kerala state government, as of 17 January, has received contributions worth of Rs 712.98 crore to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) following the Wayanad landslide, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed the assembly on Thursday, 23 January.

He noted that these funds are being directed towards assisting those affected by the landslide. However, no financial support has been received from the central government to date.

Vijayan said that the state had initially demanded a sum of Rs 2,221 crore for the landslide rehabilitation from the Centre, but as per the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report, more is expected.

"As the union government declared the Wayanad landslide a 'disaster of a severe nature', MPs from across the country can contribute up to a sum of Rs 1 crore and I have already written to all MPs in the country seeking help," Vijayan said.

The CM was replying to a query raised by UDF MLA Kurukkoli Moideen during question hour in the legislative assembly on the amount received for the Wayanad package.

Efforts to provide aid are being closely coordinated, with the government aiming to complete rehabilitation within a set timeframe.

A meeting with project sponsors was held, during which a model of the proposed township was presented. The sponsors have pledged their full support for the project, Vijayan added.

The state government will source funds from the CMDRF, the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), sponsorships, corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions and central government aid to support the development of the Wayanad township, as authorised by a recent revenue department order.

The Kerala High Court’s single bench has also granted approval for the project, which seeks to rehabilitate those displaced by the landslide.

According to the order, the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KIIFCON) will serve as the project management consultant (PMC). A committee led by the chief secretary will oversee the progress of the project and establish a framework for quality assurance.

The proposal submitted by KIIFCON includes 467 housing units on plots of 5 cents each and 266 units on plots of 10 cents, with a total projected cost of Rs 632 crore.

The government has allocated Rs 15 lakh for individuals affected by the landslide who wish to reside outside the township.

Tribal families will either be provided land in the township or in areas near forest zones, in accordance with the Forest Rights Act, or they will receive Rs 15 lakh in compensation.

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan noted that ‘uncertainty’ prevails over the amount of Rs 30 lakh fixed for the proposed houses and the amount should be secured soon to complete the rehabilitation process.

In response, Vijayan assured that immediate action would be taken. He also said that the cabinet has decided to take over the land for rehabilitation within 61 days. This would be 58.50 hectares in Elstone Estate in Kalpetta and 48.96 hectares in Nedumpala Estate in Meppadi panchayat.

"Several houses will be constructed simultaneously in the rehabilitation project and we estimate around Rs 30 lakh for the houses," he said.

The government has published a draft list of the disaster-affected families to be rehabilitated in the proposed township; a final list is expected soon.

with PTI inputs