A highly crucial and significant decision regarding the rehabilitation of the disaster-affected people of the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide in Wayanad was announced by the government the other day. Although the government had earlier stated that two townships would be constructed in the district for the rehabilitation of the victims, the authorities were unable to provide details due to various reasons. The rehabilitation decision was delayed because of multiple challenges, including finding suitable land, securing funds to complete the township construction within the stipulated time, and obtaining support from the Central government. In the special Cabinet meeting held the other day, the rehabilitation blueprint presented by Chief Secretary Sharada Muraleedharan, even as some uncertainties and confusion remain, can largely be considered comprehensive. Two townships will be established on estates in Kalpetta and Nedumbala in Wayanad district, with an estimated cost of ₹750 crore. The houses will have an area of 1,000 square feet. The township will include hospitals, schools, playgrounds, community centres, and libraries, and will be completed urgently in a single phase. While construction agencies will be tasked with building the townships, the draft also envisages that oversight committees at various levels will be established to evaluate the progress of the construction. The rehabilitation will be carried out in a way that guarantees the support and cooperation of those who have pledged to provide houses and libraries for the project. The final decision regarding the project is expected to be made in the upcoming Cabinet meeting. Regardless of that, a new chapter has begun in the effort to protect the survivors of the devastating disaster that claimed the lives of over four hundred people. Let us hope that the collective efforts witnessed in the disaster relief operations will also be replicated in the rehabilitation efforts.
The Wayanad disaster has been recognized by the scientific community as one of the 32 extraordinary weather events reported worldwide in 2024. Two villages in Wayanad were swept away by a catastrophic flood into the Chaliyar River. While landslides have been reported in Wayanad and other parts of Kerala before, it can be definitely stated that no such event has occurred previously. This disaster is being viewed as a visible indicator of climate change. Naturally, its impact goes beyond what can be measured in terms of death tolls and other statistics. Even considering only the physical damage, the loss amounts to ₹1,200 crores. These losses remain as they are, with the authorities now focusing on the urgent rehabilitation agenda, setting everything else aside. People from various sections of society have extended their support for the initiative. Political, community, religious, cultural, and youth organizations, along with several individuals and trusts, have pledged contributions in the form of funds, new homes, and other support for the designated townships. According to the government, 38 organizations have already committed to assisting. Contributions vary, with some offering to build 750 square feet of homes, while others have pledged specific amounts of money for housing construction. These contributions have now been consolidated and adjusted to the 1000 square feet specification. The draft also indicates that the houses will be built with a foundation that can be expanded in the future. In summary, the government's primary objective is to provide homes for the disaster-affected homeless as quickly as possible. This is certainly a welcome approach. At this stage, the government also has the responsibility to collaborate with all available individuals. The common people of the area have made significant contributions to the ₹750 crore project, and various organizations have already provided generous financial support. Thus, the government holds the responsibility to drive this project forward in a truly democratic manner.
Even amidst this progress, it cannot be denied that some uncertainties remain in the Wayanad rehabilitation project. Earlier, there was news about serious errors in the beneficiary list for the rehabilitation houses. While the government has clarified that these will be addressed, there must also be caution on the part of authorities to prevent such flaws in the future. There are still some issues with the land identified for the township construction. Legal matters related to the two estates are still pending. The project cannot begin without resolving these issues. Immediate action is also required in this regard. Beyond all this, the question of the Central government's role in the rehabilitation process remains significant. Citing technical reasons, the Centre has been unwilling to declare the landslide disaster a national disaster. Not only has it failed to allocate the appropriate disaster relief fund, but it has even demanded repayment of the cost of rescue operations. This is also an opportunity to discuss what approach is to be adopted towards the Cente which with such stance, has betrayed the state in effect. At the same time when a strong opposition is to be made to the central government's neglect, the state government must continue to raise and secure its rightful entitlements.