Wayanad landslide survivors protest delays in government’s promised daily wage
Follow TNM’s WhatsApp channel for news updates and story links.Survivors of the June 25 landslide in Wayanad’s Mundakkai-Chooralmala area staged a protest in Chooralmala on Wednesday, June 25, over delays and lapses in receiving the government’s promised financial aid.On June 25, heavy rains triggered a surge in the Punnapuzha River, leading to the evacuation of many plantation workers from the Mundakkai-Chooralmala region for safety reasons. This area remains vulnerable after the devastating 2024 landslide in Meppadi panchayat, which claimed over 400 lives and destroyed hundreds of homes.A group of survivors gathered in Chooralmala to demand the daily wage of Rs 300, amounting to Rs 9,000 monthly, that the Kerala government committed to providing for families affected by the disaster. Many protesters claimed they have not received these payments, forcing them to work despite hazardous conditions.“We faced heavy rain today in Mundakkai, but since we haven’t received the government’s promised money, we had no choice but to work,” said one woman protester.The protesters intercepted government officials, including the Thanasildar and Additional District Magistrate (ADM). The ADM assured them that the issue would be addressed promptly.Revenue Minister K Rajan, speaking to the media, confirmed that the government is continuing the distribution of the monthly Rs 9,000 aid to survivors. He also clarified that while no immediate landslide threat exists in the Mundakkai-Chooralmala area, authorities have restricted access as a precaution.Following the 2024 landslide, many survivors live in rented homes across the district, with government and NGO support covering rent and providing food kits.Meanwhile, the recent torrential rains caused the Punnapuzha River to swell significantly, prompting the evacuation of workers on the river’s far side, which had been isolated since the 2024 disaster but is now connected by a Bailey bridge.
Follow TNM’s WhatsApp channel for news updates and story links.
SURVIVORS of the June 25 landslide in Wayanad’s Mundakkai-Chooralmala area staged a protest in Chooralmala on Wednesday, June 25, over delays and lapses in receiving the government’s promised financial aid.
On June 25, heavy rains triggered a surge in the Punnapuzha River, leading to the evacuation of many plantation workers from the Mundakkai-Chooralmala region for safety reasons. This area remains vulnerable after the devastating 2024 landslide in Meppadi panchayat, which claimed over 400 lives and destroyed hundreds of homes.
A group of survivors gathered in Chooralmala to demand the daily wage of Rs 300, amounting to Rs 9,000 monthly, that the Kerala government had committed to providing for families affected by the disaster. Many protesters claimed they had not received these payments, forcing them to work despite hazardous conditions.
“We faced heavy rain today in Mundakkai, but since we haven’t received the government’s promised money, we had no choice but to work,” said one woman protester.
The protesters intercepted government officials, including the Thanasildar and Additional District Magistrate (ADM). The ADM assured them that the issue would be addressed promptly.
Revenue Minister K Rajan, speaking to the media, confirmed that the government is continuing the distribution of the monthly Rs 9,000 aid to survivors. He also clarified that while no immediate landslide threat exists in the Mundakkai-Chooralmala area, authorities have restricted access as a precaution.
Following the 2024 landslide, many survivors live in rented homes across the district, with government and NGO support covering rent and providing food kits.
Meanwhile, the recent torrential rains caused the Punnapuzha River to swell significantly, prompting the evacuation of workers on the river’s far side, which had been isolated since the 2024 disaster but is now connected by a Bailey bridge.
