Wayanad: Kerala HC says SDMA figures of disaster relief funds 'inaccurate'
Kochi (PTI): The Kerala High Court on Saturday criticised the state government and its disaster management authority (SDMA), saying their figures regarding the funds in connection with rehabilitation of the landslides-hit areas of Wayanad are "inaccurate".
A bench of Justices A K Jayasankaran Nambiar and Mohmmed Nias C P also questioned why the funds were being delayed for months and observed that it was turning into another disaster.
It said when asking for assistance from the Centre, the state government should provide accurate figures.
The court observed that auditing was not accurate and the funds were not being handled properly.
It directed the government and the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) to submit accurate figures regarding the funds.
It directed that the amount allocated from the Rs 677 crore in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for rehabilitation, the amount spent and the amount required should be placed before the court.
The state government told the court that it will provide the details sought by the bench on Thursday.
During the hearing, the bench also asked the state to stop blaming others and not to take a stance that insults the victims of the disaster.
The court's observations and directions came after the Finance Officer of the State Disaster Management Authority presented the accounts regarding the disaster relief and rehabilitation funds in connection with the landslides that hit Wayanad in July this year.
The Finance Officer was present following the court's directions on Friday to provide information on how much funds were required for reconstruction and rehabilitation of the landslides-hit areas of Wayanad and the amount of financial assistance to be provided by the Centre.
The court had also asked how much amount was there in the relief fund before the disaster, how much was available for use out of it and what portion of the amount allocated by the Centre was utilised.
The queries came during hearing of a plea initiated by the High Court for prevention and management of natural disasters in the state in the wake of the landslides that devastated three villages in Wayanad district and claimed over 200 lives.
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Dakshina Kannada: Two girls drown while bathing near Kolyadakatta dam in Kadaba
Mangaluru: Two girl students drowned while bathing near the Kolyadakatta dam area of the Gundya river on Friday evening here in the Kadaba Taluk of the district.
The deceased have been identified as Arpita (15) and Sunita (21), both residents of Vimalagiri in Kutrupadi village.
According to reports, five girl students had visited the river along with their friends as it was a holiday. While bathing in the river, the two students reportedly entered a deeper portion of the water without realising the depth and began drowning.
Those accompanying them tried to rescue the duo, but were unsuccessful, leading to the tragedy.
After receiving information about the incident, Kadaba Police Station personnel visited the spot and conducted an inspection. The bodies were later recovered with the help of local residents.
