Kochi, Dec 27: The Kerala High Court has directed the state government to expedite the acquisition of two estates identified for rehabilitating families affected by the Wayanad landslides. Delays in acquiring these estates have hindered the construction of proposed townships for the displaced families.

The Wayanad district authorities had earmarked the Harrison Malayalam Estate (65.41 acres) in Nedumbala, Meppadi Grama Panchayat, and Elston Estate (78.73 acres) in Kalpetta for the project. The court issued its directive under the Disaster Management Act, enabling the government to move forward with the acquisitions while ensuring fair compensation to the landowners.

The landowners had previously approached the court seeking a stay on the acquisition. The High Court’s decision comes after months of inaction since the devastating landslide in July, which claimed 231 lives, left 47 missing, and caused widespread destruction across four villages. The disaster destroyed 145 homes completely, partially damaged 170, rendered 240 uninhabitable, and washed away 183.

Following the verdict, State Revenue Minister K. Rajan announced that the government is prepared to fast-track the rehabilitation efforts. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will oversee the implementation of the project, which includes the construction of approximately 1,000 single-storey houses, each measuring 1,000 square feet, across the two identified sites.

“The list of sponsors willing to cooperate with the government is ready, and we will coordinate all efforts to accelerate rehabilitation,” said Rajan.

Despite the court’s approval, challenges remain. The estate owners may approach the division bench for further relief, and the project also requires approval from the Union government.

The landslides that struck hilly areas of Wayanad district on July 30 when most residents were asleep, were the worst disaster to hit Kerala since 2018.

Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 27: The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Friday paid tributes to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at a condolence meeting organised at the CPED grounds in his honour.

The Karnataka government announced seven days of mourning and also declared a one-day holiday for schools and colleges in the backdrop of the demise of the former Prime Minister who passed away at the age of 92 in Delhi on Thursday night.

The party also cancelled its ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan’ convention scheduled to take place on Saturday.

The convention was planned as part of the centenary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi taking over as the President of the Congress.

On the same platform, a condolence meeting was organised on Friday.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated, “Former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh was one of the world’s greatest economic experts who shaped the nation’s economy with the interests of the middle and poor classes in mind.”

“Dr. Manmohan Singh once remarked, ‘I may not receive much recognition for my work while I am alive, but in the future, our efforts will be valued greatly’”, CM Siddaramaiah recounted.

“When we look at Dr. Manmohan Singh’s life journey, it fills us with amazement. Born into an extremely poor family, he rose to become one of the greatest economic experts the world has seen and served as the country’s Prime Minister twice,” he stated.

“There may be other great economic experts, but he stood out for his soft-spoken nature, restrained language, and his efforts to shape the nation’s economy with a focus on the welfare of the middle and poor classes,” CM Siddaramaiah stated.

“I had the opportunity to meet him several times. He would patiently listen to our views and then offer his honest opinions,” he remembered.

“He did justice to every role he held. Whether as RBI Governor, Finance Minister, or the country’s Prime Minister for ten years, he served with utmost sincerity and integrity,” CM Siddaramaiah stated.

“Sonia Gandhi declined the post of Prime Minister and chose Dr. Manmohan Singh for the position. For ten years, he led the nation with great strength and stability,” the CM said.

“When India was facing an economic crisis, he implemented liberalisation policies and lifted the country economically. Before Dr. Manmohan Singh, the country’s economy was not integrated with the global economy. By opening it up, he infused new life into the nation’s economic landscape,” CM Siddaramaiah stressed.

“He implemented the fundamental ideals of our Constitution in letter and spirit,” CM Siddaramaiah added. “Through initiatives like the Food Security Act, the Right to Education Act, and Right to Information Act, he uplifted the poor and middle classes economically and socially,” he stated.

“His passing is a loss not only to India but to the global economic community. When we established the Ambedkar School of Economics, we invited Dr. Manmohan Singh. He also attended a programme on Karnataka’s economy during our term and appreciated the robust state of our finances. His knowledge helped find solutions to many of India’s challenges,” he stated.

“He was someone who could precisely understand and resolve the country’s economic issues. Despite his immense knowledge, he remained humble and gracious,” the CM stated.

Delhi, Dec 27: Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday led the party in paying tributes to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at his residence on Friday.

Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi placed a wreath at his mortal remains wrapped in the tricolour and offered prayers there.

In his condolence message, Rahul Gandhi said, “Manmohan Singh Ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs Kaur and the family. I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride.”

Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, K. C. Venugopal, Devendra Yadav and several other party leaders were also present at the residence of the former PM.

The state funeral of the former PM is scheduled for Saturday, before which his body will be kept for public darshan at the All India Congress Committee office here.

The cremation will take place near Rajghat at afternoon on Saturday, at a location where the last rites of Prime Ministers are performed.

Earlier, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said in a post on X, “Paid our tributes to former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh ji. His distinguished service and extraordinary contribution to the nation shall always be remembered.”

Priyanka Gandhi said in a post on social media site X, “Few people in politics inspire the kind of respect that Sardar Manmohan Singh ji did. His honesty will always be an inspiration for us and he will forever stand tall among those who truly love this country as someone who remained steadfast in his commitment to serve the nation despite being subjected to unfair and deeply personal attacks by his opponents.”

She said that the former PM was “genuinely egalitarian, wise, strong-willed and courageous until the end. A uniquely dignified and gentle man in the rough world of politics.”

Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Thursday evening at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. He had a sudden loss of consciousness at home after which he was rushed to the AIIMS Delhi.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other prominent leaders visited the former PM’s residence and paid respects.