Wayanad remembers landslides victims
Survivors, families the victims, civic officials, State Ministers and local leaders came together at Puthumala graveyard to pay tribute to the over 300 lives lost in the devastating landslides that struck Mundakkai and Chooralmala on July 30 last year.
With floral tributes and a multi-faith prayer, they honoured the victims. Grief was palpable as families visited graves. The day reignited memories of the tragic night that ravaged Mundakkai and Chooralmala a year ago.
The police led by District Police Chief Taposh Basumatari offered a guard of honour to the victims of the tragedy. Revenue Minister K. Rajan, SC/ST and Backward Classes Welfare Minister O.R. Kelu and Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas offered floral tributes to victims.
Islamic scholars Mustafa Faizy and Shamsudheen Rahmani, Christian scholars Fr. Dani and Fr. Francis, Hindu scholars P.R. Sreeraj Namboothiri and Babita led the multi-faith prayer.
Apart from the Ministers, T. Siddeeque, MLA; district panchayat president Samshad Marakkar; District Collector Meghashree D.R.; Kalpetta municipal chairperson T.J. Isaac; Harrison Malayalam representative Binil John, and several other officials attended a commemoration held later at Meppadi.
Addressing the meeting, Mr. Rajan said that 49 more people affected by the tragedy would be considered for the houses being constructed by the government at the Model Township, Kalpetta. A total of 451 beneficiaries will get houses in the township.
He said ₹6 crore would be spent for continued medical treatment of those injured in the tragedy. A memorial will be constructed at Puthumala at a cost of ₹93.93 lakh.
Mr. Rajan said that the houses in the township would be completed by December 31 if rain did not hamper the construction works. He said a model house was constructed in just about three months and a half.
Addressing the media later, Mr. Rajan assured that the government would not divert the ₹700 crore contributed by the people to the State's disaster relief fund. 'The fund is meant solely for the disaster victims,' he said.
Mr. Rajan visited the Model Township and evaluated the work in progress along with other government officials.
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