Congress seeks special package for Vilangad landslip survivors in Kerala

Kozhikode DCC demands special aid for Vilangad landslip survivors, accusing government of neglect and delayed response.

The Kozhikode district Congress committee (DCC) has sought a special rehabilitation package for the survivors of the July 30 landslip at Vilangad in the district.

DCC president K. Praveenkumar told the media here on Wednesday (January 15, 2025) that the Left Democratic Front-led State government and the district administration had “completely ignored” the plight of the residents of Vilangad from the beginning. The government turned all its attention on the landslide that happened in Wayanad on the same day, he alleged.

Mr. Praveenkumar claimed that the District Collector visited the landslip-hit areas only eight days after the incident. The list of survivors eligible for compensation had only 53 names though 140 people had been affected by the natural calamity.

He alleged that the details of the shops and business units destroyed in the landslip were yet to be officially declared, adding that some residents on the river banks were still in the grip of fear.

“People from various walks of life, including politicians, elected representatives, and organisations, have already said they would help construct 146 houses. The government should engage only them in the work,” Mr. Praveenkumar said, while demanding that the government urgently call a meeting of all the sponsors.

Mr. Praveenkumar said the DCC would organise a protest outside the District Collectorate on January 22 against the alleged government apathy towards the Vilangad landslip survivors.

Shafi Parambil, MP, would open the event.