Kerala HC criticizes Centre over landslide rehab deadline

The Kerala High Court has expressed frustration with the central government for not submitting an affidavit regarding the extension of deadlines for rehabilitation projects in Wayanad. This deadline, originally set for March 31, 2025, concerns support for landslide survivors. During a recent court session, the central government indicated that it would extend the deadline to December 31, 2025. However, the court emphasized the importance of the funds being deposited into the accounts of the state agency responsible for implementing these projects. The court had previously instructed the government to clarify its plans concerning the extensions and funding. It noted that the central government cannot overlook these directives. Additionally, the court requested the Kerala government to provide a start date for the removal of debris from the landslide-affected areas. The state government responded that debris removal would take about 18 months, and the court is awaiting a specific start date for this work.