New Delhi [India]: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi discussed the relief efforts for the landslide in Wayanad and the need to revitalise tourism in the area, during a conversation with local Congress leaders on Sunday.
“Wayanad is steadily recovering from the devastation caused by the tragic landslides. While there is still much to be done, it is heartening to witness people from all communities and organisations coming together in relief efforts.” LoP Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X.
During the conversation, he mentioned the need to revitalise tourism in the area to aid the people of Wayanad. “There is one crucial aspect I wish to highlight that will greatly aid the people of Wayanad–tourism. Once the rains cease, it is imperative that we make a concerted effort to revitalise tourism in the area and encourage people to visit.”, the post read.
He further highlighted that the landslide was localised to a specific area and not the entire region, but the perception of people outside is that the whole area is dangerous. Also saying that Wayanad remains a stunning destination, it will soon be ready to welcome tourists across India, “It is important to note that the landslide was localised to a specific area in Wayanad, not the entire region. Wayanad remains a stunning destination and will soon be ready to welcome tourists from across India and the world with all its natural charm.”, the post added.
The Congress leader also emphasised other areas regarding relief efforts that need focus, including poor interdepartmental coordination, inadequate compensation, and the loss of livelihood, among other things.
“As far as I know, there are four or five things which we need to put pressure on. One is poor interdepartmental coordination in relief and rehabilitation, second is inadequate compensation, third is the rent issue that I raised, then many people have lost livelihoods, including vehicles and plantations, and finally the impact of tourism,” he said during the conversation.
The landslides that killed hundreds of people in Kerala’s Wayanad were triggered by a burst of rainfall that was made about 10 per cent heavier by human-caused climate change, a study by World Weather Attribution (WWA) has found.