The Kerala government has earmarked ₹750 crore for the rehabilitation of Wayanad landslide survivors, state finance minister KN Balagopal announced while presenting the annual budget for the 2025-26 financial year in the Assembly on Friday.
The devastating landslides that struck Chooralmala, Mundakkai, and Punchiri Mattam villages in Meppadi panchayat in July last year claimed over 250 lives, leaving thousands displaced. Despite Kerala’s request for a ₹2,221 crore special package from the Union government in November, Balagopal criticized the Centre for failing to allocate any funds in the Union budget for the rehabilitation project.
State’s Plan for Rehabilitation
The finance minister stated that the state will utilize funds from the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) and the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Additionally, efforts will be made to secure private sponsorships to finance the massive rehabilitation initiative.
Earlier, on January 2, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had announced that landslide survivors who lost their homes and belongings would be resettled in two model townships designed to be disaster-resilient and self-sufficient. These townships will feature essential infrastructure, including schools, anganwadis, hospitals, clinics, and recreational spaces.
Land Acquisition for Township Project
The state cabinet has approved a master plan for the rehabilitation project, with townships to be developed on 58.50 hectares of Elstone estate in Kalpetta municipality and 48.96 hectares of Nedumpala estate in Meppadi panchayat. The Kerala High Court had earlier permitted the government to acquire these privately owned lands under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
As Kerala moves forward with its ambitious rehabilitation plan, the state continues to urge the Centre for additional financial assistance, underscoring the urgent need for long-term support in rebuilding the lives of those affected by the disaster.
Sources By Agencies