The central government has granted an extension for the utilization of the ₹529.50 crore special assistance loan sanctioned for the rehabilitation of landslide-affected areas in wayanad. as per the centre’s response to the kerala high court, the deadline has been extended from march 31 to december 31. however, while the centre confirmed that the extension comes with specific conditions, it did not clarify what those conditions are. taking note of this, the kerala high court’s division bench expressed dissatisfaction and directed the centre to file a detailed affidavit by march 23, outlining the conditions attached to the extension.
originally, the central government approved the special assistance loan in february for 16 projects aimed at rebuilding infrastructure in chooralmala and mundakkai, which were severely impacted by landslides. the financial aid was provided under the scheme for special assistance to states for capital investment (sasci), a program offering interest-free loans for 50 years to support state-level infrastructure development. the bjp-led central government had initially mandated that the sanctioned funds for the 2024-25 financial year be utilized before march 31, 2025. however, after the kerala government raised concerns over the impracticality of the timeline, the high court sought an explanation from the centre, leading to the deadline extension.
the state government had initially proposed projects worth ₹535 crore for wayanad’s rehabilitation. the approved projects include constructing public buildings and roads, river training for flood prevention, building educational and healthcare facilities, and establishing essential utilities like power substations and water treatment plants.
some of the key projects under this scheme include the construction of public buildings in nedumpala and elstone estates (₹111.32 crore), road development in the township (₹87.24 crore), river training for punnappuzha river (₹65 crore), and the renovation of muttil–meppadi road (₹60 crore). additional projects include a fire and rescue station, a 110 kv substation, helipads, bridges, and multi-purpose shelters.
with the extended deadline, the kerala government now has more time to complete these crucial rehabilitation projects. the high court’s intervention has also ensured that the centre provides clarity on the conditions tied to the deadline extension.
