Wayanad: The state government has formulated a rental policy for the landslide survivors in Wayanad and promised to complete the process of temporary rehabilitation this month.

Finance Minister K Rajan said the government is aiming for science-based rehabilitation of all affected people. “This temporary rehabilitation is not aimed at simply relocating people anywhere. Here (in a particular relief camp), for example, out of the 587 families in the relief camps, 21 are alone, five men, 10 women and six children below 18 years of age. We have to find the best way to rehabilitate them because we cannot consider them as a single family, they have lost their loved ones,” Minister Rajan said.
1,770 people live in 15 relief camps, including 439 children.

The government is seeking rehabilitation of the affected people in Meppadi, Muppainad, Vythiri, Kalpetta, Muttil and Ambalavayal panchayats in Wayanad district. “But if they want to go somewhere else, that can also be considered,” the minister said.

“A scientific assessment of the needs of the people has been made with the help of consultants. Efforts are underway to carry out a scientific rehabilitation process at the behest of the camp management committee, which comprises people’s representatives and officials. None of the affected people will have to deal with any homeowner. There will be a government machinery in place and there is no need to worry,” he said.

The minister said that several families have shrunk to two or three members and their rehabilitation depends on their wishes. “Can they move into rented accommodation or do they prefer to move in with relatives? If they choose to move in with their relatives, then how should we deal with the issue of housing rent for them? A rental policy taking all these issues into account has been finalised and the chief minister will make an official announcement.

Once this is completed, we can decide on it at a public meeting with local bodies, MPs, other people’s representatives and subcommittees. We hope to complete the gradual temporary rehabilitation in August.” He said the government was also ready to pay the agreed rent amount to those who prefer to find accommodation themselves.