Tue Nov 05 20:06:35 UTC 2024: ## Kerala Government Expedites Land Acquisition for Chooralmala Landslide Survivors

**KALPETTA, NOVEMBER 06, 2024:** Revenue Minister K. Rajan has assured that the land acquisition process for the rehabilitation of survivors from the recent Chooralmala landslides in Wayanad will be accelerated. Addressing concerns raised by the survivors, Mr. Rajan stated that the acquisition process will be expedited, and compensation will be provided to landowners.

However, the Minister acknowledged a delay in the Centre’s disbursement of funds for a special package intended to assist the survivors. He highlighted that the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), although suggested as an alternative source, is meant for immediate relief and offers limited assistance.

The State government has formally requested a special assistance package from the Centre, including financial aid beyond the SDRF allocation, loan waivers for survivors, and categorization of the disaster under L3. While the Centre has yet to approve the package, despite intervention from the Kerala High Court, temporary rehabilitation of the survivors was completed within a month. The Minister assured that permanent rehabilitation will be executed in a timely manner.

Financial assistance will continue to be provided to survivors until the permanent rehabilitation project is implemented. A detailed list of survivors from wards 10, 11, and 12 of Meppadi grama panchayat will be published following the byelections, with opportunities for redressal of complaints before finalization.

Minister Rajan expressed hope for a favorable verdict from the Kerala High Court during the hearing scheduled for Wednesday, questioning the Centre’s reluctance to provide a special package while highlighting the similar assistance received by Andhra Pradesh for its disaster survivors.

Reiterating the State government’s commitment to the rehabilitation package, Mr. Rajan stated that a separate package will be made available for landslide victims at Vilanagad in Kozhikode district.

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