As Wayanad grapples with the aftermath of catastrophic landslides that have claimed over 400 lives, the call for the region to be declared a national disaster zone has ignited a political debate. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, who represents Wayanad, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government to take this significant step. However, the BJP has responded by pointing out that the very concept of a 'national disaster' does not exist under current central government guidelines, a policy that has remained unchanged since the tenure of the Congress-led UPA government.
A 2013 Parliament reply by then Minister of State for Home Affairs, Mullappally Ramachandran, clearly stated, ?There is no provision to declare a natural disaster as a national disaster.? This statement, made during the UPA government's time, underscores the ongoing policy that natural disasters are to be managed primarily by state governments, with the central government providing additional assistance when necessary.
"The priority is immediate relief and response assistance in the context of a natural calamity. As such, there are no fixed prescribed norms," Ramachandran had stated. However, for calamities of a ?severe nature,? additional support from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) can be considered after following the established procedures.
Despite this, Rahul Gandhi's appeal has found resonance among many in Wayanad and beyond, highlighting the dire need for continued and robust relief efforts. The BJP, however, has used the 2013 statement to argue that the demand for declaring Wayanad a national disaster zone is not feasible under the current framework.
Centre's Swift Response to Wayanad's Crisis
In response to the devastating landslides, the Modi government has mobilized extensive resources to aid the affected regions. Over 1,200 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Army, Navy, Air Force, and various state emergency services have been deployed to Wayanad. Additionally, the construction of a crucial 190-foot Bailey bridge by the Indian Army, completed in just 71 hours, has facilitated the movement of heavy machinery and rescue teams, proving instrumental in saving approximately 200 stranded individuals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Wayanad on Saturday to assess the ongoing relief and rehabilitation operations personally. His visit underscores the gravity of the situation and the government's commitment to aiding the affected communities.
