Priyanka Urges Centre to Waive Loans of Flood, Landslide Victims in Wayanad
“Hundreds of acres of land were also destroyed, coffee, tea and cardamom plantations. Entire livelihoods vanished: auto and jeep drivers, homestay operators, small business owners,” Priyanka Gandhi said.
New Delhi: Congress general secretary and Lok Sabha MP Priyanka Gandhi on Wednesday urged the Centre to waive loans for flood and landslide victims in her Wayanad constituency, and lamented the lack of central assistance to help them rebuild their lives.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi said that hundreds of people lost their lives, 17 families were wiped out, and more than 1,600 buildings were destroyed in the Wayanad landslides and floods. “Hundreds of acres of land were also destroyed, coffee, tea and cardamom plantations. Entire livelihoods vanished: auto and jeep drivers, homestay operators, small business owners,” she said.
She noted that a year has passed since the disaster, yet those affected have not been properly rehabilitated. “For one year, we have been requesting the release of funds for Wayanad. Some funds were released, but they were insufficient and given as loans, which is unprecedented. People have lost their lives and livelihoods, how can we expect them to repay loans while rebuilding?” she asked.
Gandhi said the state had sought classification of the event as a national disaster; while it was not done initially, it was eventually designated a “disaster of a severe nature.” “However, that has not been enough. Victims’ families are still struggling a year later. On behalf of the people of Wayanad, I make a sincere request that the central government waive these loans—which are a small amount for the Centre,” she added.
