Wayanad Landslides: Kerala HC to Hold Weekly Hearings on Relief, Preventive Measures

The Kerala High Court announced that it will conduct weekly hearings every Friday to monitor the progress of rehabilitation efforts in Wayanad, in the southern state of Kerala, following the recent catastrophic landslides, as well as to review preventive measures against such disasters.

The Court will also assess strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The division bench, comprising Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Syam Kumar VM, reiterated the necessity for a comprehensive and balanced approach to developmental activities to avoid environmental calamities like the Wayanad floods.

“Are we identifying any additional vulnerable data? Is there a definitive scientific explanation for why this incident occurred?” the Court inquired.

The Court emphasised the need for a thorough examination of all relevant legislation to understand the policies concerning the mitigation of environmental disasters and the maintenance of ecological balance.

To ensure continuous and effective oversight, the Court has announced that the case will be listed every Friday, during which it will seek updates on the following key aspects:

* Scientific studies conducted in the affected areas of Wayanad;

* Efforts towards victim rehabilitation;

* Identification of other vulnerable areas;

* Implementation of preventive measures. The Court stated that the matter will be addressed as the first item each Friday.

“We require updates on: Whether scientific studies are being carried out, the latest reports focusing on Wayanad, until the end of the monsoon.

Over time, we may extend these studies to other areas to identify vulnerable regions, provide weekly updates on victim rehabilitation, weekly updates on identifying other vulnerable areas in Wayanad, discuss preventive measures, and the relocation of people,” the Court added.

During the hearing, Advocate General Gopalakrishna Kurup K presented figures related to the damage caused by the disaster.

It was reported that approximately 231 bodies have been recovered, with at least 378 people injured and about 128 still missing.

The estimated financial loss due to the landslides is ₹1,200 crore, the Court was informed.
“Infrastructure damage included 3 bridges, 126 community buildings, 1,555 houses, 2 schools, approximately 1.5 km of rural roads and significant loss of land and livestock,” the AG stated.

The Court was also informed that several relief camps have been set up and numerous victims are currently residing in them.

Amicus Curiae Senior Counsel Ranjith Thampan also submitted a report, which will be reviewed by the Court in the next hearing.

The Court impleaded several other parties, including the National Highways Authority, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the Central Water Commission, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services and the National Remote Sensing Centre in the matter.

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