Kerala: Four Months In, Kavalappara Landslid Affected Families Yet To Receive Relief Fund

As many as 172 families affected by the Kavalappara landslide held a protest against the Kerala government on Sunday, December 9, for not releasing the funds promised to the survivors four months ago.

On August 8 a landslide had wiped out an entire hill, claiming 59 lives. After the incident, the government had announced a sum of ₹10 lakh – ₹4 lakh for a new house and ₹6 lakh for new land – to resettle over 72 families who had lost their land and residence to the landslide.

“We lost our loved ones, our land and our house. But we still haven’t received any help from the government,” Harish, who lost his uncle to the disaster, was quoted by The News Minute. According to Harish, none of the families have been rehabilitated as of now.

“They have said that they would allow a few acres of land for us near Kavalappara to build houses. So far, the state has only released ex gratia to families of the landslide victims. But what about those who have lost everything and are still living. Why is the government not thinking about us?” said Anilkumar, who was forced to vacate his house.

In addition to the 72 families, 100 other families living in a 200-metre radius of the site were also asked to move away after the region was declared geographically uninhabitable.

“One month ago we moved back to the old house in Kavalappara. But even if it drizzles, we rush out of the house. We are scared to live here but have no choice,” said Anilkumar.

It is also difficult for most of the families to afford the rent. “We spend ₹3000 on rent every month. For the first three months, the state government supported us, but now we have to pay from our pockets,” said Harish.

According to the residents, although the Nilambur block panchayat had promised to release the first list of beneficiaries in January, there has been no progress.

Meanwhile, Jafar Malik, Malappuram District Collector, said that the families have to identify the land they wish to purchase and apply for the fund.

“We will only provide land for the 27 tribal families residing in the relief camp in Nilambur currently. The other families have to identify the land they want to purchase,” Malik was quoted by the media.

He further said, “On verification of this land as well as the beneficiary’s eligibility, an advance of ₹50,000 will be transferred to their account. Following registration of the land, ₹5.5 lakhs will be directly transferred to the seller’s account. This is to ensure that beneficiaries use the amount to buy land. After the purchase of land, the first instalment of ₹95,100 will be transferred to them to start building a house.”

He added that a list of eligible families has been sent to the Land Revenue Commission office who will verify the list before releasing the funds. He also said that the relief fund comes from the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) – from the centre.

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