Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 4 (NationPress) Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the Central Government on Saturday for demonstrating injustice and neglect towards the state by failing to provide sufficient support for relief and rehabilitation in the aftermath of the Wayanad Mundakkai-Chooralmala disaster.

The unfortunate event in Meppadi took place on July 30, 2024.

“A Central team arrived within ten days to evaluate the situation, and the Honorable Prime Minister visited the following day. Yet, over a year later, no emergency financial aid has been allocated. Kerala had requested Rs 1202.12 crore for immediate relief after conducting its preliminary assessment, but the Centre has not disbursed any funds,” Vijayan stated.

“Despite our repeated appeals to annul loans for those affected by the disaster, no measures have been taken. Instead, the Centre eliminated Section 13 of the National Disaster Management Act, which permitted such waivers. As a result of this amendment, the Union Government informed the High Court that the law no longer allows for the cancellation of loans for victims of the Mundakkai-Chooralmala disaster.”

Kerala presented its first memorandum on August 17, 2024, right after the disaster, followed by a comprehensive Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), with the report submitted on November 13, 2024. Both submissions occurred while Section 13 of the Disaster Management Act was active.

However, the Centre only issued a gazette notification to remove that section on March 29 this year, and this amendment does not apply retroactively.

Despite this, the Centre took a harsh and unyielding approach by refusing to provide aid, citing the amendment.

It also took five months for the Central Government to officially categorize the calamity as a “severe disaster,” which hindered opportunities for international aid.

Kerala requested Rs 2221.03 crore for reconstruction according to established norms, yet the Centre has only approved Rs 260.56 crore, which is less than one-eighth of the requested amount.

Widespread protests have erupted in response to this perceived neglect of Kerala.

“This outrage mirrors the collective sentiment of the populace,” the Chief Minister remarked, urging the Centre to acknowledge the state's rightful claims and provide the necessary assistance without further delays.