Greens allege laxity in implementing rehabilitation package for landslide victims

Environmental activists under the Wayanad Prakruthi Samrakshana Samiti (WPSS) have alleged laxity on the part of the State government in the time-bound implementation of the proposed rehabilitation package for the victims of the Chooralmala landslides.

At a recent meeting chaired by WPSS president N. Badusha, the Samiti members claimed that the rehabilitation plan remained a non-starter even a year after the disaster. They alleged suspected elements of corruption in the utilisation of the relief fund.

A statement issued by the Samiti on Monday (July 28) claimed that no measures were in place to control “illegal land development activities and tourism ventures” in the environmentally sensitive areas. For the government, the development of tourism facilities appeared to be a top priority, sidelining the relocation of around 4,500 families living in landslide-prone areas, they complained.

The Samiti also criticised some of the people’s representatives from the district, alleging that they had emerged as “ambassadors of tourism” while tribespeople and farmers were still in dire need of rehabilitation assistance. The State government and the Opposition were also accused of cold-shouldering the actual concerns.

Describing the expert committee’s report on the Wayanad landslides as “worthless,” the Samiti leaders said it failed to mention the impact of illegal constructions and mining activities on the ecologically sensitive area. The committee instead attempted to establish that incessant rain was the sole cause of the landslides, they alleged.