The Kerala High Court’s Division Bench has directed the State government to request hostel and resort owners in Wayanad to provide accommodation for individuals still residing in relief camps following the recent landslides, with a deadline of one week for their relocation.
Comprising Justices A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Syam Kumar V.M., the Bench emphasized the urgent need for rehabilitation during a hearing related to the prevention and management of natural disasters after the devastating landslides in Wayanad.
The court noted that it has been a month since the disaster and continued residence in relief camps is unacceptable. It urged the government to investigate any reluctance among individuals to move from these camps and to expedite their relocation to suitable accommodations. If local facilities are inadequate, the government should seek assistance from the numerous hotels and resorts in the area to provide adequate privacy for the affected individuals.
Additionally, the court mandated that the government implement cashless payment options for patients undergoing treatment for severe injuries instead of a fixed weekly charge of ₹5,400. It highlighted that victims receiving care in private hospitals cannot negotiate fees, often resulting in discrepancies between government assistance and actual medical costs. Therefore, the court recommended that payments be made directly to the hospitals.
Establishment of Grievance Cells
The Bench also instructed the government to create grievance cells in the impacted areas to address rehabilitation complaints from the community. The court observed that existing grievance channels at the collectorate are not effective. It proposed collaboration with the district legal services authority to deploy paralegal volunteers to gather complaints for reporting to the designated grievance cells.
Furthermore, the court indicated that prior to any construction related to new townships for those displaced by the landslides, the government must report to the court, particularly concerning the guidelines set forth by both the Gadgil and Kasturirangan committees, which restrict development in certain regions of Wayanad.
