Why is Relief and Rehabilitation in Wayanad Politicized?
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Synopsis
As Wayanad grapples with the aftermath of devastating landslides, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra highlights the inadequacy of the Centre's response. With only a fraction of the requested funds approved, she calls for a political detachment in disaster relief efforts. This situation raises critical questions about governmental accountability and the prioritization of human suffering.
Key Takeaways
- Wayanad's funding is significantly lower than requested.
- Political factors are influencing disaster relief efforts.
- Humanitarian needs must be prioritized over politics.
- Reconstruction efforts are set to begin despite funding challenges.
- Calls for justice and adequate support continue to grow.
New Delhi, Oct 4 (NationPress) Following the Centre's allocation of Rs 260.56 crore—a mere fraction of the Rs 2,221 crore sought by the Kerala government for the reconstruction of landslide-affected Wayanad—Congress General Secretary and Lok Sabha MP from Wayanad, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, expressed on Saturday that what has been received is nothing short of neglect. She emphasized that relief and rehabilitation should transcend political boundaries.
On her social media account on platform X, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stated, “The residents of Wayanad endured a catastrophic event that called for empathy, equity, and prompt relief. Despite Kerala's request for Rs 2,221 crore to restore lives post-landslide, the Central government has only approved Rs 260 crore, which pales in comparison to the actual needs.”
She continued, “The citizens of Wayanad, who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones, had anticipated substantial support, especially after the Prime Minister’s visit. Instead, they were met with neglect.”
“It is imperative that relief and rehabilitation rise above political divides. Human suffering is not a political opportunity. The people of Wayanad deserve justice, support, and dignity,” she asserted.
Previously, on October 1, the Centre allocated its first specific financial aid for Wayanad’s reconstruction, more than a year after the devastating landslides.
A High-Level Committee led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah has sanctioned Rs 260.56 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), contrasting Kerala’s appeal for Rs 2,221 crore.
This allocation is intended for the restoration of areas severely impacted by the landslides in Mundakkai and Chooralmala that occurred in July 2023.
The disaster, which struck on July 30, 2024, devastated four villages, left hundreds injured, resulted in over 200 fatalities, and left 32 individuals unaccounted for.
This approval follows 14 months of continuous appeals from the state government and local representatives.
However, the Centre’s assistance amounts to only about 11 percent of what was requested through the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA).
The committee also approved a total of Rs 4,645.60 crore for nine states.
Criticism has arisen as comparisons reveal that BJP-ruled Assam, which faced landslides in 2022, received a significantly higher package of Rs 1,270.78 crore.
Earlier, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh were allocated Rs 1,658.17 crore and Rs 2,006.40 crore, respectively.
Kerala had previously received Rs 529.50 crore as a loan for disaster relief operations and an additional Rs 153 crore in July this year.
State leaders have persistently advocated for a special package dedicated to the rehabilitation of Wayanad.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and a delegation of UDF MPs, including Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, met with Home Minister Amit Shah to press for this demand.
Despite these efforts, significant announcements have been lacking until now.
Both the ruling Left and the opposition Congress have accused the Centre of neglecting Wayanad’s suffering, even after the Prime Minister's visit to the area post-disaster.
With this latest funding, the state government is anticipated to commence the next phase of reconstruction, though calls for a more comprehensive financial package to fully restore Wayanad remain strong.
Interestingly, in March this year, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan laid the foundation for Wayanad's rehabilitation project, which aims to develop 1,000 square foot houses on seven cents of land each for 402 selected beneficiaries.
During his address, CM Vijayan criticized the Union government for its inadequate disaster relief support, stating that the state had not received any Central aid and was burdened with loans that needed to be repaid.
Point of View
This situation highlights a concerning trend in disaster management where political affiliations may overshadow humanitarian needs. The government's response, particularly its allocation of funds to Wayanad, reflects a broader issue of equitable resource distribution, raising questions about prioritization and the necessity for a comprehensive approach to disaster relief that genuinely addresses the needs of affected communities.
NationPress
04/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total amount allocated for Wayanad's rehabilitation?
The Centre has allocated Rs 260.56 crore for the rehabilitation of Wayanad, which is significantly less than the Rs 2,221 crore requested by the Kerala government.
What did Priyanka Gandhi Vadra say about the Centre's aid?
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the aid as inadequate, stating that what the people of Wayanad received is neglect and that relief efforts should rise above politics.
When did the landslides in Wayanad occur?
The landslides in Wayanad occurred on July 30, 2024, resulting in significant loss of life and property.
How has the Centre's assistance compared to other states?
The Centre's allocation for Wayanad is only about 11 percent of what was requested, while other states have received significantly larger financial packages for similar disasters.
What are the next steps for Wayanad's recovery?
The state government plans to initiate the next phase of reconstruction efforts, although there are ongoing demands for a larger financial package to fully restore Wayanad.
