Now that flood victims in Kerala who were temporarily living in relief camps are slowly moving back to their homes; new challenges need to be overcome.
Read the TBI article about what steps Kerala needs to take once the waters recede, here.
For some, their previously submerged homes need to be completely renovated, some need to buy new furniture, and some are unfortunately returning to homes and lands that have been completely destroyed.
Considering the plight of such people, a couple from Idukki has decided to donate their 2-acre plot of land to anyone in need!
M Ganesan lives with his wife, Ezhilarasi, mother, Kanagamma, and two children in the Vandiperiyar town of Idukki. He spent a few days in a relief camp since the flood waters had severely affected Idukki. Speaking to Mirror, Ganesan said that 400 families had shifted to three relief camps in Vandiperiyar.
When the floodwaters receded, 300 families returned to their homes, but about 100 families stayed behind because their homes were completely destroyed and they had nowhere to go.
According to Ganesan, a majority of these stranded people were formerly employed at tea estates who, after their retirement, were living in small houses. There is a real possibility that they have also used up most of their savings and wouldn’t have enough to buy a new house or plot to relocate.
The Kerala state government has promised to help the victims of rehabilitation, but Ganesan fears that they might be shifted to a place far away from their original homes.
Ganesan works as a rationing inspector with the civil supplies department. The family had bought the land a years ago with Kanagamma’s retirement money and had pledged Ezhilarasi’s jewellery as well. His mother was a former plantation worker which makes the cause even closer to Ganesan’s heart.
Since a simple land donation won’t suffice, Ganesan has requested the Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, to provide him with monetary aid to construct the houses on the plots. Ganesan is also open to private funding or other forms of help for his cause.
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We tried to get in touch with Ganesan, but haven’t heard from him yet.
If you wish to contribute to the cause and help Ganesan build the lives of hundreds of flood victims, you can get in touch with him on Facebook. Every bit of help that you can offer will help rebuild Kerala.
(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)