On Thursday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the state has yet to receive any assistance from the Centre for the rehabilitation of Wayanad landslide survivors. However, Rs 712.98 lakh collected in the Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund will be used to support the survivors.

Vijayan explained that the state initially requested Rs 2,221 crore from the Centre for landslide rehabilitation. According to the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report, even more funding is expected. He added that, since the Union Government declared the Wayanad landslide a "disaster of severe nature," MPs from across India can contribute up to Rs 1 crore, and he has already reached out to all MPs for help.

In response to a question from UDF MLA Kurukkoli Moideen during the Legislative Assembly's question hour, Vijayan clarified that while the state is awaiting assistance, the rehabilitation process is moving forward. For those who choose not to stay in the proposed townships, a compensation of Rs 15 lakh each will be provided.

Opposition members, including Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, raised concerns about the delayed treatment costs for people severely injured in the landslides, even six months after the disaster, and urged swift action. Satheesan also questioned the uncertainty surrounding the Rs 30 lakh allocated for the proposed houses, urging the government to finalize this amount to expedite the rehabilitation.

Vijayan responded by assuring that prompt measures would be taken to address these concerns. He also confirmed that the Cabinet has decided to acquire land for the rehabilitation within 61 days. Multiple houses will be built as part of the rehabilitation project, with an estimated cost of Rs 30 lakh per house. However, a final decision on this amount is yet to be made.

The government has published a draft list of disaster-affected families for rehousing in the proposed townships, with the final list expected soon. Vijayan noted that various government departments are coordinating efforts for the rehabilitation, and funds from the CMDRF, SDRF, sponsorships, CSR funds, and the Centre will be used for the project.

The Cabinet has approved the rehabilitation project to build model townships on 58.50 hectares in Elstone Estate, Kalpetta, and 48.96 hectares in Nedumpala Estate, Meppadi panchayat, for the survivors of the devastating July 30 landslides.

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