Wayanad relief package should be a grant, not loan: Priyanka to PM Modi
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New Delhi: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to address the severe hardships faced by the people of Wayanad in rebuilding their lives after last year’s devastating landslides. She requested that the central government convert its recently announced relief package into a grant instead of a loan, emphasizing the urgent need for financial and infrastructural support.
In her letter, Priyanka Gandhi highlighted the plight of residents in Chooralmala and Mundakkai, stating that even six months after the disaster, they continue to endure unimaginable hardships. "As the MP for Wayanad Lok Sabha, I felt it my duty to apprise you of their situation. It is heartbreaking that they are still struggling to rebuild their lives," she wrote.
The disaster struck on July 30, 2024, when a massive landslide ravaged Wayanad district, leaving 298 people dead. Authorities recovered 231 bodies and 223 body parts, while 32 individuals were reported missing and later declared dead. The catastrophe completely wiped out 17 families, affecting 58 people, and damaged 1,685 buildings, including homes, schools, dispensaries, anganwadis, shops, religious institutions, and government offices.
Among the worst-hit were the Government Vocational Higher Secondary School in Vellarmala and the Government Lower Primary School in Mundakkai, which were completely destroyed. Priyanka Gandhi pointed out that the permanent rehabilitation of these institutions, which previously had 658 students enrolled, remains pending.
The landslide also devastated 110 acres of agricultural land, impacting tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations—the primary sources of livelihood for many in the region. The tourism industry suffered heavily, leaving jeep and auto-rickshaw drivers, shop owners, homestay operators, and tourist guides without income. Small-scale business owners in Meppadi Gram Panchayat's ward numbers 10, 11, and 12 are also struggling to survive.
Emphasizing the dire need for assistance, Priyanka Gandhi stated that the people of Wayanad, despite their resilience, cannot recover without decisive intervention from both the state and central governments. She expressed disappointment at the slow pace of rehabilitation, which has only deepened the suffering of the victims.
Following persistent appeals from Kerala MPs, the central government recently announced a ₹529.50 crore relief package for the victims. However, Priyanka Gandhi criticized its inadequacy and the conditions attached—first, that the amount would be disbursed as a loan instead of a grant, and second, that it must be utilized entirely by March 31, 2025.
“These conditions are immensely unfair and display a shocking lack of sensitivity towards the people of Chooralmala and Mundakkai, who have suffered devastating losses," she wrote.
She reminded Modi of his visit to the affected areas after the disaster, which had raised hopes for substantial financial assistance. However, she expressed disappointment that those expectations were not met and that the central government had refused to declare the tragedy a national disaster. Instead, it was classified as a "Disaster of Severe Nature" after continued pressure from Kerala MPs.
Calling the relief package "inadequate and conditional," Priyanka Gandhi urged the prime minister to reconsider. "The people of Wayanad deserve every possible assistance and support to overcome this terrible misfortune. I earnestly request you to convert the relief package into a grant and extend the timeframe for its implementation. This will help them rebuild their lives and restore their hope in the future," she wrote.
Also Read:Centre sanctions ₹529.50 cr loan for Wayanad, must use by March 31
With PTI inputs