more-in Sending a clear warning to those facilitating illegal constructions along the ecologically-sensitive Wayanad pass, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Saturday recommended the immediate demolition of an unfit building located on the second hairpin curve on the route. A decision in this regard was taken at a DDMA meeting to review relief measures taken in the district in the wake of multiple landslips and floods. The meeting was attended by Labour and Excise Minister T.P. Ramakrishnan and Transport Minister A.K. Saseendran. Revenue officials were asked to prepare a report on such dangerous constructions on the Ghat Road and other hazards to take appropriate disaster mitigation measures. The study will also cover the Kuttiyadi pass which is used as an alternative road to Wayanad district. Expressing satisfaction over the disaster management initiatives taken up in the district, the Ministers said the damaged roads to the Kuttiyadi dam site would be immediately repaired. Also, a safety check will be conducted on various stretches of the Kuttiyadi canal, taking into account security concerns raised by local residents, they promised. The Ministers made it clear that all those who had suffered loss in the recent landslips and flash flood would be compensated in time. “All relief camps are getting support from rescue operators and residents. There is no shortage of medicines or other essential items at any camp,” they said. Meanwhile, Mr. Saseendran on Saturday inspected a few affected stretches on Ghat Road. As an additional safety measure, the Public Works Department will clear avenue trees located dangerously close to the route. He also directed District Collector U.V. Jose to take appropriate measures under the Disaster Management Act. In the presence of the Ministers, an all-party meeting was held at the Collectorate to get feedback from people’s representatives and political leaders on relief work in the district. People’s representatives repeated their demand to open a regional unit of the National Disaster Response Force. Also, they called for a scientific study on the reasons behind frequent landslips in rural areas.

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