Decision On Categorisation Of Wayanad Landslide Disaster Will Be Done In Two Weeks: Centre To Kerala High Court

The Amicus curiae Adv. Ranjith Thampan submitted before the Court that if the disaster is categorized as a Level 3 Disaster, various avenues of relief and rehabilitation will be open to the State. He urged that the Disaster should be categorized as an L3 disaster (Level 3) disaster. As per the disaster management plan of the National Disaster Management Authority, L3 disaster is a nearly catastrophic situation or a very large-scale disaster that overwhelms the State and District authorities.

The Amicus Curiae has suggested that the Centre and State to consider implementing a parametric insurance scheme. The Amicus submitted that it enables the government to pre-assess potential damages from catastrophic events. He also pointed that such insurance can give quick payouts and the affected communities can quickly engage in rehabilitation and restoration efforts. He submitted that the funds from National and State Disaster Response Funds are not always immediately available. The Court asked the State to consider such an insurance scheme in collaboration with the Union of India and private insurance companies to tide over the financial constraints perceived by the State in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters.

The case is next posted on 15th November.

Case Title: In re: Prevention and Management of Natural Disasters in Kerala

Case No: WP(C) 28509 of 2024