Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has issued a clear directive to the district administration: move forward with meeting the essential needs of Chettyalathur residents immediately. This crucial instruction comes with the aim of not waiting for the often-slow rehabilitation process to conclude, ensuring quicker relief for the community.
Chettyalathur, nestled within the Noolpuzha panchayat, is a village deeply integrated with its forest surroundings. For years, the State government has been working towards relocating and rehabilitating its approximately 20 families to a more suitable area. However, the villagers have consistently resisted these relocation efforts.
A significant grievance among the residents has been the persistent lack of basic infrastructure, including proper roads, reliable water supply, and electricity, for over 15 years. They argue that these vital services have been withheld precisely because of the ongoing and unresolved rehabilitation discussions.
During a recent meeting that included local residents, people’s representatives, and government officials, the MP emphasized the urgency of the situation. She urged officials to compile a comprehensive list of the village’s requirements and to fulfill them promptly. Gandhi Vadra highlighted that the proposed rehabilitation is a complex issue, and finding a definitive solution would inherently be a time-consuming endeavor.
A representative from the Forest department provided an update, noting that 107 general category families and 16 tribal families from Chettyalathur have already been successfully relocated. It was also pointed out that many of the remaining villagers do not reside on their own land. Additionally, a significant number often require relocation to temporary relief camps during the monsoon season, and the area is frequently plagued by wildlife attacks. The official further mentioned that those who do choose to move out are typically able to begin constructing new homes on government-provided land within a year.
However, the residents present at the meeting voiced another concern: some families who have already moved out are still awaiting the promised financial assistance of ₹15 lakh. Several key figures were in attendance at this pivotal meeting, including MLAs T. Siddique and I.C. Balakrishnan, District Panchayat President Shamsad Marakkar, Noolpuzha Panchayat President Sheeja Satheesh, and District Collector D.R. Meghasree.