The Kerala High Court on Friday acknowledged the Centre’s agreement to release ₹120 crore to the Kerala government for immediate use in rehabilitating those affected by the massive landslides that struck Wayanad on July 30, 2024.

A Division Bench of Justices A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Easwaran S., while hearing a suo motu case on disaster prevention and management in the state, noted that the funds—arrears owed by the state to the Centre for airlift charges since 2006—would be freed up under relaxed SDRF/NDRF norms.

The court’s directive followed a December 18 inquiry into the possibility of exempting ₹120 crore from the ₹132 crore demanded as airlift charges for Indian Air Force rescue operations. Additional Solicitor General A.R.L. Sundaresan presented a letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs confirming the Centre’s consent.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) filed a statement noting that the Meppadi landslide has been classified as a disaster of "severe nature" by the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT). This designation allows the state to access various funding sources, including MP Local Area Development Funds, SASCI funds, and NDRF recovery assistance.

The disaster devastated three villages—Punchirimattam, Chooralmala, and Mundakkai—and parts of Attamala, claiming 231 lives. The matter has been posted for further hearing on January 16.