a day ago
Centre seeks two weeks to submit its decision at HC
Kochi: The Union govt on Friday sought two more weeks to inform the high court its decision on the matter of loan waivers for the victims of the landslides at Chooralmala and Mundakkai in Wayanad on July 30, 2024.
Assistant solicitor general ARL Sundaresan made the submission in response to the suo motu petition concerning the rehabilitation of the Wayanad landslide victims. He added that deliberations on the matter are ongoing between the ministries concerned. Accordingly, the court adjourned the petition to July 25 for further hearing.
Additionally, advocate Renjith Thampan, the amicus curiae, suggested that a report be called from the state govt regarding the utilisation of the Rs 120cr from the state disaster response fund (SDRF), which had been permitted by the bench earlier in March 2025 for the rehabilitation works in Wayanad.
Advocate general K Gopalakrishna Kurup, in response, informed the court that the report in that regard can be furnished on the next posting date.
The state disaster management authority also placed before the court videos and photographs showing the removal of debris from the disaster-affected areas in Wayanad.
The AG further informed the court that environmental clearance from the ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MoEFCC) for the proposed four-lane tunnel corridor from Kozhikode to Wayanad was granted on June 17, and that a detailed project report has also been prepared.
The Court instructed the AG to produce the report and share a copy with the amicus curiae. The court also directed the amicus curiae to review the report and assess its feasibility.
