File image of a damaged house in during Wayanad landslides.
Credit: PTI Photo
Thiruvananthapuram: Even a year after the devastating landslide of Mundakkai-Chooralmala areas of Wayanad, rehabilitation of hundreds of families hit by the landslide is progressing at snail's pace only.
While the families are being provided monthly financial assistance, construction of houses for them is only in the initial stages.
Many of the survivors of the landslide are yet to come out of the shock of the tragedy that claimed over 300 lives. Many are even taking psychological support.
It was during the early hours of July 30, 2024 that landslides went on a rampage reducing hundreds of houses to rubble burying many alive and washing many along the river. While scores of bodies were recovered from among the debris, many bodies were recovered from over 50kms away spots in the Chaliyar river in the neighbouring Malappuram district. While around 250 bodies were recovered, around 115 were still missing.
Even as assistance poured in as donation of Rs. 772 crore to the Chief Minister's distress relief fund and sponsorships for homes, the government could not provide new houses yet. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who had also offered to construct 100 houses, had earlier expressed displeasure over the delay.
It was after eight months that foundation stone for the proposed township was laid. Obstacles in identifying suitable land and legal issues in acquiring plantation land were being cited by the government as justification for the delay.
Many alternative accommodation provided by the government for the survivors are too congested. The rent of Rs. 6,000 being provided by the government is insufficient to get a fair house.
"There are families comprising husband, wife, their children and their wives and grandchildren living in temporary homes with one of two rooms. The poor living condition is aggravating the suffering of the landslide survivors," C K Noorudeen, a panchayat ward member of Chooralmala told DH.
Noorudeen, who witnessed the landslide, said that he was yet to come out of the trauma. "I now feel scared when the weather turns bad and while travelling near mountains. Many of us are even taking psychological consultation," he said.
Thamlik, who was a cable TV operator of the region, said that so far he did not receive any compensation for the huge loss suffered due to his cable TV venture. "I was staying in a 1350 square feet house in 20 cents. Now I am staying in a small house by paying a rent of Rs. 9,000. The Rs. 6,000 being provided by the government and daily assistance of Rs. 300 could hardly meet my family expenses," he said.
Government sources said that as many as 410 houses are being constructed at the township. Work on around 170 houses were progressing. The houses could be handed over starting from December.