Wayanad landslides: HC seeks govt.’s report on utilisation of Central funds for rehabilitation

A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court of Justice A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice P.M. Manoj has sought a report from the State government on the utilisation of ₹120 crore the Centre had allotted for rehabilitation of people affected by the landslides in Wayanad in 2024.

The directive came after amicus curiae Ranjith Thampan suggested that a report be called from the government regarding the manner of utilisation of the funds, when the court took up a suo motu case relating to the prevention and management of natural disasters in Kerala. The Advocate General was asked to file a report by July 25.

The court also gave two more weeks to the Centre to decide on waiver of loans of the landslides-affected people. Central government’s counsel had requested two weeks to inform the court about the waiver, stating that discussions were on between the Ministries concerned and a decision was expected within that time frame.

The court was also informed that the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has taken steps to frame a comprehensive disaster management plan (DMP) for its implementing agencies, including the National Highways Authority of India, to mitigate all kinds of natural disasters. This comprises a subplan for highways and another one for road accidents.

The MoRTH is now working to incorporate suggestions of  the National Disaster Management Authority for benchmarking and to complete the DMP. A notification in this regard is expected in three months.