Paniya tribal families in Malappuram still in plastic sheds seven years after flood
Over two dozen Paniya tribal families in Malappuram district continue to live in plastic sheds in forested areas across the Chaliyar river, seven years after a flood displaced them.
More than two dozen Paniya tribal families in Kerala's Malappuram district are still living in makeshift plastic sheds, seven years after a flood forced them out of their homes.
The families, belonging to a hamlet in the district, have been sheltering in sheds set up in forested areas across the Chaliyar river. The temporary structures, made of plastic sheeting, have become their long-term dwellings in the absence of permanent rehabilitation.
The settlement's location across the river and within forested terrain has left the families living in conditions that were meant to be short-term arrangements. Seven years on, the sheds remain their only shelter.
The situation points to the slow pace of rehabilitation for tribal communities displaced by natural disasters in the region. The Paniya community, a Scheduled Tribe group in Kerala, is among the state's most marginalised populations.
A visit to the settlement brought out the continuing hardship of the families, who have spent years in structures never intended for prolonged habitation.