Kerala CM ordered a vigilance probe after Wayanad landslides survivors and DYFI members protested over distribution of worm-infested food.
Published Nov 08, 2024 | 8:04 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 08, 2024 | 8:04 PM
Wayanad landslide survivors protest over contaminated food
The Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Wayanad, on Friday, 8 November, responded to a directive seeking explanation from the State Food Commission, confirming that the food kits distributed by a voluntary organisation to survivors of recent landslides were unfit for consumption.
Nirman, a voluntary organisation, had distributed food kits through the Meppadi Grama Panchayat to the disaster’s survivors. The ADM, as the grievance redressal officer, stated that Meppadi Panchayat Secretary was instructed to conduct a thorough inspection of all food items and ensure that any inedible supplies were not distributed to affected families.
Meanwhile, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan also ordered a vigilance investigation on 8 November into the quality of food distributed to landslide affected families of Meppadi Grama Panchayat.
The probe is expected to figure out if the distributed food was from old stock or if it was modified in any way, resulting in worm-infestation. The CM has directed that a preliminary investigation be conducted in this regard and a report be submitted urgently.
Tensions flared in Meppadi Grama Panchayat on Thursday, 8 November, when survivors of the recent Chooralmala-Mundakai landslides accused local authorities of distributing food kits that contained worm-infested provisions.
The allegations sparked an intense protest by members of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), who publicly displayed the contaminated items and staged a sit-in at the panchayat office.
The protesting DYFI members attempted to confront the panchayat president but were prevented by police and panchayat officials, resulting in clashes. Five individuals, including panchayat president K. Babu and four others sustained injuries and were subsequently hospitalised.
However, the panchayat president said that no such complaint had been received about the quality of food.
Following the protest, Wayanad District Collector Meghasree announced an investigation into reports of expired food items being distributed to disaster-affected residents in Meppadi.
During a meeting with MLA T. Siddique, Meppadi Panchayat President K. Babu, and local officials, the Collector directed the Food Safety Department to inspect the items for quality. Local bodies and voluntary organisations have been urged to verify the quality of supplies before distribution.
Food Commission Chairman Jinu Zakaria Oommen directed that an immediate investigation be conducted into the matter and a report be submitted immediately.
It should be noted that, due to election protocols, local representatives were restricted from inspecting the quality of food in storage areas. The UDF also cited that the supplies came from the Revenue Department.
(Edited by Neena with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
