Wayanad Landslide Relief: Centre Approves ₹153 Crore Assistance Amid Kerala’s Pending Reconstruction Proposal

Introduction

In a significant development, the Central Government informed the Kerala High Court on Friday about its approval of ₹153.467 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for relief efforts following the devastating Wayanad landslides. The court was also apprised of Kerala’s larger reconstruction proposal of ₹2,219 crore, which is currently under consideration. The case highlights the critical role of collaborative efforts between the Centre and the states in managing natural disasters.

Central Assistance Approved for Wayanad

The ₹153.467 crore assistance approved by a high-level committee is subject to several conditions:

1. Utilization of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF):
   • The Centre has mandated an adjustment of 50% of the balance available in the SDRF account for this calamity.
2. Additional Provisions:
   • Approval has been granted for air bills for essential supplies and rescue operations by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
   • Debris clearance will be funded based on actual utilization of heavy machinery and equipment.

The committee’s decision, made on November 16, was based on the recommendations of the Sub-Committee of the National Executive Committee (SC-NEC). This sub-committee relied on an on-the-spot assessment report by the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) that visited the affected areas.

Kerala’s Reconstruction Proposal Under Review

The Kerala government had submitted a comprehensive proposal of ₹2,219 crore for recovery and reconstruction on November 13. The Centre noted that the proposal is under review as per the “Guidelines on Constitution and Administration of Recovery & Reconstruction Funding Window under NDRF/SDRF”.

Previously, Kerala had sought an additional ₹214.68 crore on August 19 for immediate relief efforts. The Centre highlighted that the state’s requests are being processed systematically in compliance with existing guidelines.

Court-Initiated Proceedings

The Centre’s submissions were made during proceedings initiated suo motu by the Kerala High Court to address the prevention and management of natural disasters in the state. The court has been actively monitoring the response to the Wayanad landslides, which caused extensive damage and claimed over 200 lives across three villages.

The disaster not only highlighted the vulnerability of regions like Wayanad to climate-induced calamities but also underscored the importance of timely administrative and financial interventions.

Legal and Administrative Observations

1. Federal Responsibility and Collaboration:
   • The case exemplifies the joint responsibility of the Centre and states in managing disaster relief and recovery under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
   • The interplay between SDRF and NDRF funding mechanisms reflects the need for effective coordination.
2. Timeliness of Proposals:
   • The Centre emphasized that the state’s recovery proposal was submitted only on November 13, underscoring the importance of prompt communication for efficient relief measures.
3. Judicial Oversight:
   • The High Court’s active role in ensuring accountability reflects the judiciary’s increasing involvement in addressing the fallout of climate-related disasters.

Conclusion

The Centre’s approval of ₹153.467 crore for Wayanad relief efforts marks an essential step toward addressing the immediate aftermath of the disaster. However, Kerala’s larger reconstruction proposal remains critical to ensuring long-term recovery and resilience. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of prompt action, intergovernmental coordination, and judicial oversight in mitigating the impact of natural disasters.

Keywords:

Wayanad landslide, Kerala High Court, disaster relief, National Disaster Response Fund, State Disaster Response Fund, Inter-Ministerial Central Team, recovery and reconstruction, disaster management, climate resilience.

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