Vilangad landslides: State mulls relocation scheme for shortlisted residents

People who suffered partial damage to their homes and agricultural properties in last year’s landslides at Vilangad in Kozhikode district are likely to be considered under a vulnerability-linked relocation scheme of the State government. Discussions are under way to extend the proposed scheme’s benefits to around 50 residents of the village.

While those who lost their homes entirely have already received financial aid from the State government, many others who suffered partial damage during the natural calamity feel their grievances have been overlooked. Most of these affected individuals—primarily farmers and a few local traders—had taken part in a series of local protests to draw the attention of authorities to their plight.

A local body member said the relocation of people living in landslide-prone areas had been a long-pending demand but was delayed due to financial constraints. She added that earlier efforts to realise the plan had involved seeking support from various sponsors, especially in light of growing safety concerns.

“It was following the local protests that around 50 people from different parts of Vilangad were included in a secondary list prepared by the local Revenue department authorities for eligible compensation. However, the district administration has been objecting to it for reasons unknown,” said a leader of a local farmers’ organisation. He added that unresolved technicalities continue to delay the implementation of the proposed scheme.

Meanwhile, functionaries of the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samiti said the concerns of over 30 traders in Vilangad, whose shops were partially damaged in the landslides, also remain unaddressed. They alleged that no government agency had assessed the losses or provided rehabilitation support under any available scheme.

Revenue department sources, however, said the proposed relocation scheme could be implemented soon, pending approval from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. One more field-level inspection is expected to be carried out to complete the remaining formalities, they added.