KALPATTA: A five-member committee, headed by District Collector Dr Meghashree, has been formed by the cabinet sub-committee to assess temporary rehabilitation arrangements for the victims of the Mundakkai and Chooralmala landslides. The committee’s convener will be the Vythiri Tehsildar.

The committee includes the Joint Director of the Local Self-Government Department, a Deputy Collector and the Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department’s Building Division.

In a press conference, cabinet sub-committee members K Rajan, P A Mohammad Riyaz, A K Saseendran and O R Kelu informed that the Local Self-Government Department has identified 41 buildings, and the Public Works Department has provided 24 buildings for temporary rehabilitation. Additionally, 34 buildings have been identified for repairs to make them habitable. Local bodies have also located 286 houses that can be used for rent.

The committee will focus on identifying rental houses in six local government areas: Meppadi, Moopainad, Vythiri, Kalpetta, Ambalavayal and Muttil. They will assess the habitability of the buildings and whether they are equipped with household appliances. Guidelines regarding rent have been issued by the government. Harrison Malayalam Company has also offered to provide accommodation for 102 workers.

An expert team, including John Mathai, a senior scientist at the National Center for Geosciences, will visit Chooralmala, Mundakkai, Punchiri Mattam and Attamala on the 19th to assess the condition and disaster potential of the landslide areas. The outline for temporary rehabilitation will be detailed based on their findings. District Collector Dr. Meghashree also attended the press conference held at the Collectorate Mini Conference Hall.