'No response from Kerala govt:' CM Siddaramaiah on Karnataka's proposal to construct houses for Wayanad landslide survivors

Thiruvananthapuram: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed concerns over the lack of response from the Kerala government on Karnataka government's offer to construct 100 houses for those who lost homes in the Wayanad landslide.

In a letter sent to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday, Siddaramaiah said that owing to the lack of response from the Kerala government on the matter, the Karnataka government was not able to take further steps in this regard. He also offered to purchase land required for constructing the houses.

"It is concerning that no communication has been received from the Kerala government regarding the necessary guidelines or directions to implement this project, preventing us from moving forward with the commitment," Siddaramaiah said in the fresh letter to his Kerala counterpart.

Siddaramaiah made the announcement to construct hundred houses after visiting the landslide ravaged areas in August. The matter was also duly communicated to Kerala chief secretary.

He also added that the Karnataka government was willing to purchase land for the project to ensure swift progress in extending relief to the affected families.

The fresh development could become an embarrassment for the Kerala government, which has been blaming the Centre for delaying assistance for the rehabilitation and resettlement of the families hit by the July 30 Mundakkai - Chooralmala landslides. Both the State and Centre are also involved in a blame game over it.

Satheesan flays LDF govt

Meanwhile, Opposition leader V D Satheesan of the Congress said that the Kerala government's irresponsibility in ensuring rehabilitation of the landslide affected people came to light.

"It is a shame that the state government did even respond to the Karnataka government's offer to construct 100 houses. The Congress-led United Democratic Front will launch a stir against the state government's irresponsible attitude," he said.