KOTTAYAM: Criticizing the state government for “failing” to plan for the recurring floods opposition leader V D Satheesan said chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who is surrounded by flatterers, is not ready even to listen to criticisms.
“Even after getting the alert that the depression formed in the Arabian Sea is moving towards Kerala coast, the red alerts were sounded with a delay. What is the job of the state disaster management authority? Red alert was issued at 1pm after heavy rains and landslides took place,” said Satheesan.
It seems the government has not conducted proper studies on flooding. The government should know about the areas that will get affected if water level in the rivers rise by even one feet, he said.
He also asked about the steps taken by the chief minister who spoke about implementing the Netherlands’ “Room for the River project” to deal with the flooding in the state after returning from that country.
“Many times we had raised the demand to reorganise the rain alert system scientifically,” Satheesan said.
He also pointed out that rescue operations could be launched in Kokkayar only a day after the landslide struck. The government machinery started working only a day after five children got buried under the mud. What is the use of such a government? The CM should answer our questions, said Satheesan.
Satheesan also hit out at the government for failing to provide aid for the affected people. Who should ensure treatment for those who have lost their relatives in the landslide, he asked.
He urged the CM to examine the metrological department’s report issued on October 12. It clearly said about the impending climatic change, he said. “I don’t know why the CM is protecting those officials who failed in issuing the alerts,” he said. Satheesan also urged the government to stop all recovery procedures by banks immediately.
