Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government approved a special loan scheme for Kudumbashree members in the Meppadi landslide-hit areas of Wayanad district, along with the launch of the ‘Ujjivan’ rehabilitation scheme for disaster-affected families in Wayanad and Kozhikode, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office.

The decisions were taken by the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday.

Under the Ujjivan Loan Scheme, bank loans will be provided to restart livelihoods in disaster-affected wards of Meppadi panchayat in Wayanad and Vanimel panchayat in Kozhikode, where landslides occurred on July 30, 2024.

The scheme is aimed at supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), commercial and industrial establishments, approved homestays, disaster-affected dairy farmers, Kisan card holders, ornamental bird farmers, beekeepers, tourist vehicle operators and commercial vehicle owners to resume their economic activities.

A special loan package of ₹8.57 crore has been approved, with ₹1.94 crore earmarked towards interest subsidy. The amount will be allocated to the Kudumbashree Mission through the Wayanad District Collector from the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.

The total project cost is estimated at ₹20 crore and will be met by relaxing State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms in line with a High Court ruling.

The District Collector concerned has been authorised to release the government share of the Ujjivan Loan Scheme to banks. The loan schemes will remain valid until December 31, 2026. Loans disbursed through banking and non-banking institutions that are members of the District Level Bankers’ Committee will be eligible for assistance.

The cabinet also approved the establishment of six new forest stations across Kerala to strengthen forest and wildlife conservation and reduce human-wildlife conflict.

In addition, in-principle approval was granted for Phase II of the Chellanam Coastal Erosion Prevention project, estimated to cost around ₹404 crore. The Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (KIIDC) will act as the special purpose vehicle for the project, with funding support from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

PTI