Kozhikode: The Kerala government has released the estimated figures on the expenditure for landslide relief operations in Wayanad, revealing substantial costs that have sparked controversy. 

Estimates

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According to the details provided, the government had spent roughly around Rs 75,000 to cremate each body and around Rs 4 crore to transport volunteers and other aid to affected areas. These figures have led to allegations of discrepancies.

In a sworn affidavit submitted to the High Court, the government detailed the financial outlay: Rs 10 crore was spent on food and water for soldiers and volunteers, and Rs 15 crore on their accommodation. Additionally, Rs 12 crore was used for evacuating people from Chooralmala and Mundakkai, while an estimated Rs 1 crore went towards miscellaneous work related to the Bailey bridge constructed by the army.

The report also specifies that an approximate Rs 2.98 crore was spent on providing essential items like torches and raincoats to rescue workers, and over Rs 2 crore on medical expenses for volunteers and soldiers. Food expenses for relief camps amounted to around Rs 8 crore.

However, questions have arisen regarding the expenditure on clothing, with the government reporting an estimated expenditure of Rs 11 crore for garments for around 4,000 camp residents—an amount critics argue is disproportionate given the reported abundance of donated clothing. Additionally, it is said that Rs 8 crore was spent on medical care for camp residents, and an approximate Rs 3 crore on flood water management in Chooralmala. The cost of cremating 359 bodies reportedly reached Rs 2.76 crore.

Amidst concerns over the substantial relief expenditures, critics have pointed out that compensation for victims appears insufficient. The government provides Rs 1.30 lakh for a completely destroyed house and less than Rs 50,000 per hectare for damaged farmland.