As Wayanad reels through the horrors of the landslides that killed over 300 people, the Kerala government on Saturday announced that they will establish a new township. The initiative will be conducted to ensure the safe rehabilitation of those who were displaced by the catastrophic landslide that occurred in the Mundakkai region.
The proclamation came from Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan during a press conference where he gave an update on the ongoing rescue operation. During the presser, Vijayan assured that a rehabilitation process is planned and will be implemented swiftly.
Vijayan also mentioned that several offers came from the international community to provide land and construct houses at a safe location. “The government plans a comprehensive rehabilitation process for the survivors, aiming for swift completion. A new, safer area will be identified for constructing a township. The Education Minister will visit Wayanad to ensure that children’s education is not disrupted,” Vijayan told the reporters.
‘Help for Wayanad cell’
During the press briefing, Vijayan also mentioned that the ‘Help for Wayanad’ cell has been founded by the Joint Land Revenue Commissioner A Geetha to coordinate the offers the state has been receiving from the global community.
While speaking more on the matter, the Kerala CM noted that the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Congress’ Rahul Gandhi, has pledged to construct 100 houses for rehabilitation. Satheesan will be directly in charge of 25 of these houses, Vijayan said.
“Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has offered to construct 100 houses. I have called him to express our gratitude,” the Kerala CM averred. Meanwhile, the rescue operation in the landslide areas continued to go on for the fifth day straight as the volunteers operating in the region unearthed more bodies and body parts.
The Kerala CM assured that as many as 866 police officers have been appointed to lead the search and rescue operations at Chooralmala. During the presser, the chief minister also spoke about the condition of Vellarmala school, which lost many students in the disaster. He emphasised that the government will work to ensure “uninterrupted education” for children. “The education minister will visit Wayanad to ensure that children’s education is not disrupted,” the CM averred.
With inputs from agencies.
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