Priyanka Gandhi Criticizes Centre’s “Limited Assistance” in Response to Wayand Landslide
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Calls Out Centre’s Relief Package for Wayanad Landslide Victims
In a recent development, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing her concerns over the “inadequate and conditional relief package” provided by the central government for the Chooralmala and Mundakkai areas of Kerala’s Wayanad. These areas are still struggling to recover from the devastating landslide that occurred in July last year.
Criticism of Relief Package Conditions
Ms. Gandhi Vadra, who represents the Wayanad district in the Lok Sabha, raised objections to the conditions attached to the dispersal of Rs 529.5 crore in aid from the centre. She highlighted that the funds were released only after continuous urging from MPs of Kerala. Additionally, she pointed out that the aid was being provided as a loan rather than a grant, and a strict deadline of March 31, 2025, was set for the full utilization of the funds.
In her letter to PM Modi, Ms. Gandhi Vadra emphasized that these conditions were unfair and lacked sensitivity towards the affected communities. She reminded the Prime Minister of his visit to the affected areas in August, which had raised expectations of substantial financial assistance from the central government. However, she expressed disappointment that these expectations had not been met, especially with the refusal to declare the disaster as a ‘national disaster’.
Rehabilitation Challenges and Demands
The landslides in Wayanad claimed the lives of nearly 300 people, destroyed over 1,600 homes, schools, and healthcare centers, and covered more than 100 acres of agricultural land under mud. Ms. Gandhi Vadra highlighted the ongoing hardships faced by the survivors in rebuilding their lives, including the loss of livelihoods from tea, coffee, and cardamom crops.
The Congress leader specifically mentioned the Government Vocational Higher Secondary School in Vellarmala and the Government Lower Primary School in Mundakkai, which were severely damaged. She urged PM Modi to prioritize the rehabilitation of these schools, considering that over 650 children were enrolled there.
Protests and Demands for Inclusion
In the midst of these challenges, a group of landslide survivors in Chooralmala staged a protest demanding swift implementation of rehabilitation programs. While the protest was called off after a meeting with local authorities, concerns were raised about the exclusion of 17 families from the list of beneficiaries. The protestors planned to address this issue with the District Collector to ensure that all affected families receive the necessary support.
Moving Forward
As the Wayanad district continues its recovery from the devastating landslide, it is essential for the central and state governments to work together to provide comprehensive support to the affected communities. The demands for a fair and sensitive relief package, timely rehabilitation efforts, and inclusive assistance for all survivors must be addressed to ensure a smooth and sustainable recovery process.