Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has decided to provide an additional Rs 2 lakh to each victim of the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslides who will be rehabilitated, Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced on Thursday. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister as the state continues efforts to rehabilitate survivors of the devastating landslides.
Satheesan said the government had decided to allocate additional funds to ensure that eligible victims receive the extra assistance. The financial support is part of the state’s continuing rehabilitation measures for families affected by the disaster.
Rs 2 lakh assistance for rehabilitation
The Cabinet decided that each landslide victim who is being rehabilitated will receive Rs 2 lakh.
The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts to rebuild the lives of survivors affected by the Mundakkai-Chooralmala disaster. The landslides caused extensive destruction and left many families facing the loss of homes, livelihoods and loved ones.
The additional financial assistance is expected to support affected families as they transition to rehabilitated settlements and rebuild their lives.
Satheesan said the Cabinet had taken the decision to allocate the necessary additional funds for the purpose.
Government continues rehabilitation efforts
The Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslides had a devastating impact on communities in Wayanad, with survivors continuing to face the consequences of the disaster.
Rehabilitation has involved several aspects, including providing housing and other essential support to affected families. The additional Rs 2 lakh announced by the government is intended for victims who will be rehabilitated.
The Chief Minister made the announcement while addressing a press conference after the Cabinet meeting.
The assistance comes as authorities continue to focus on the long-term needs of survivors rather than limiting support to immediate relief following the disaster.
Vizhinjam port operations from August 18
During the press conference, Satheesan also announced that export-import operations at Vizhinjam International Seaport will commence from August 18.
He said the necessary customs and other clearances required for the operations had been granted, allowing the port to begin handling export-import activities.
The development is significant for Kerala’s maritime sector and is expected to strengthen the state’s position in international shipping and trade.
The commencement of export-import operations marks another important stage in the development of Vizhinjam as an international transshipment and commercial port.
Kerala opposes mining law amendment
The Chief Minister also criticised the recent amendment to the central law governing mineral mining, describing it as being against the principles of federalism.
Satheesan said Kerala would strongly oppose the amendments and communicate the state’s position to the Union government.
The Lok Sabha passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, on Wednesday.
The Kerala government’s objection is expected to focus on the division of powers between the Centre and states in matters relating to minerals and mining.
State to communicate opposition to Centre
Satheesan said the Kerala government would formally communicate its opposition to the amendments to the Union government.
The Chief Minister’s statement comes amid broader discussions over the role of states in regulating natural resources and mining activities.
The state government maintains that changes affecting mineral resources should take into account the constitutional responsibilities and interests of state governments.
The issue is likely to remain a point of discussion between Kerala and the Centre following the passage of the amendment bill.
Three key announcements
The Cabinet meeting resulted in announcements covering disaster rehabilitation, port operations and the state’s position on the amended mining legislation.
The decision to provide Rs 2 lakh to each eligible rehabilitated Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide victim is aimed at offering additional financial support to affected families. Meanwhile, the commencement of export-import operations at Vizhinjam from August 18 marks an important development for Kerala’s port infrastructure.
At the same time, the state government has decided to communicate its opposition to the central mining law amendments.
The three developments reflect the government’s focus on rehabilitation, economic infrastructure and the state’s interests in matters involving the Centre.
