Wayanad Landslide: 32 Missing individuals declared Dead, families to receive aid
Wayanad: Nearly six months after the devastating landslide in Kerala’s Wayanad district, the Wayanad District Disaster Management Authority has officially declared 32 missing individuals as deceased. The landslide, which struck the Mundakkai-Chooralmala region, had claimed over 450 lives.
With this declaration, the families of the missing individuals will now be eligible for financial aid and housing assistance. The process of providing relief will begin once death certificates are issued to the respective families. The government has initiated the formal procedure to register their deaths and issue the necessary documents.
The list of deceased persons was finalized after a thorough verification process, which involved cross-checking records maintained by a local committee consisting of the village officer, panchayat secretary, and station house officer. The details were corroborated with FIRs filed regarding missing persons and an investigation report confirming that the individuals could not be traced.
The final list will now be reviewed by a state-level committee comprising the Additional Chief Secretary of the Interior Department, the Principal Secretary of Revenue – Disaster Relief, and the Principal Secretary of Local Self-Government. Based on government directives, all benefits extended to the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster will also be provided to the kin of the newly declared deceased individuals.
The massive landslide in Wayanad had resulted in significant casualties, with officials recovering a total of 454 remains, comprising 231 intact bodies and 223 body parts.
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Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar hints at water tariff hike by one paisa/litre in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has indicated that a water tariff hike in Bengaluru is imminent, with a potential increase of one paisa per litre.
The revision, he stated, is necessary to fund upcoming phases of the Cauvery water supply project. However, he assured that the government is committed to ensuring that it does not burden the public.
Shivakumar emphasized that the increase is essential to address the massive losses incurred by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), which is reportedly losing over Rs 1,000 crore annually. "The tariff revision is unavoidable. We must raise the water rate by at least one paisa per litre. However, we have instructed BWSSB to implement this increase in a way that minimises the impact on citizens," he said.
Despite criticism over recent back-to-back price hikes on various services and commodities by the state government, Shivakumar stood firm on the need for the water tariff revision. He added that before the hike takes effect, there would be efforts to raise awareness among the public about the importance of water conservation.
Shivakumar also responded to the BJP's opposition to the tariff increase. He asserted that when they reduced electricity prices, the BJP remained silent. “If they are concerned about citizens' livelihoods, they should first focus on reducing the costs of essentials like petrol, diesel, and animal feed," he said. He further pointed out that despite recent price increases, the prices of milk and curd in Karnataka remain lower compared to other states.
