Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that a scientific study will be conducted to identify the landslip-prone areas in the State.
He said relief and rehabilitation could be provided only in terms of the all India norms. In fact, small merchants and traders were not entitled to get the relief as per the norms. That was why a Cabinet subcommittee was formed to look into the issue.
50 families
Once the committee gave its recommendations, the government would do the needful in this regard, Mr. Vijayan said after handing over the keys of the newly built homes to 50 families as part of rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts launched in the wake of 2018 floods.
The houses were built by global trade enabler DP World, which operates International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Vallarpadam in Kochi in association with the Ernakulam Social Service Society, and Habitat for Humanities.
He said society’s intervention in the rebuild initiative was laudable. The efforts put in by the people in tandem with the government measures during the flood had saved many lives. He pointed out that when it rained heavily, free flow of water was prevented as canals and other streams had been reclaimed. These streams and canals should be restored to their original position.
Minister for Ports Ramachandran Kadannappally presided. Hibi Eden, MP; and S. Sarma, V.D. Satheesan, K.J. Maxi, and John Fernandes, all MLAs, were present.