Kerala has announced the first tranche of ₹750 crore for the rehabilitation of those affected by landslides at Mundakkai and Chooralmala in Wayanad last year.
Although the Union Budget did not announce any assistance for the rehabilitation process, the State is hopeful that the Union government will provide assistance to Kerala like it provided for the other States, Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal exuded confidence.
It is estimated that ₹2,221 crore will be required for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the affected area as per the Post Disaster Needs Assessment document prepared by experts.
In the wake of recurring climate change-induced disasters, Mr. Balagopal stressed the need to adopt spatial planning based on scientific and objective criteria of “what can be constructed where”.
The peculiar nature of Kerala’s geography requires that the State stay extra vigilant in terms of climate change. The unhealthy construction trend of “everything everywhere” will not be continued, he said.
A five-year short-term plan and 25-year long-term perspective for Kerala’s developmental paradigm will be formulated.
The Minister said Kerala has created new history in disaster preparedness with the inauguration of the KaWaCHaM- Kerala Warnings Crisis and Hazards Management System – piloted by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority for forecasting potential natural disasters.
An amount of ₹3 crore has been earmarked for the establishment of an emergency operation centre at taluk/district levels as a part of disaster management activities.
Published – February 07, 2025 08:49 pm IST