Kerala govt, IUML hand over 229 houses to Wayanad landslide survivors
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Kalpetta: Nearly two years after the devastating landslides in Wayanad district, the Kerala government on Sunday handed over homes to survivors at a rehabilitation township in Kalpetta. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan distributed title deeds to 178 families in the first phase of the ₹299-crore project.
The township, situated over 20 kilometres from the worst-affected villages of Chooralmala and Mundakkai, has been developed on 64 hectares of land acquired from Elston Tea Estate and is planned to accommodate around 1,600 people across 410 houses. Sunday’s inauguration marked the first phase, comprising 178 houses.
Each house sits on seven cents (3,049 sq ft) of land and is a single-storey, 1,000-square-foot unit. Designed to suit Wayanad’s terrain and climate, the houses allow for an additional floor if families wish to expand. Each unit includes a master bedroom, two additional rooms, a living room, a study, a dining area, a kitchen, storage space, and a sit-out.
Beyond housing, the township will feature roads, a health centre, an anganwadi, a market, children’s play areas, a sports club, common halls, an open-air theatre, and a memorial to honour those who lost their lives in the 2024 landslides.
Chief Minister Vijayan, who had laid the foundation stone on March 27 last year, praised the rapid construction. Around 1,500 workers completed the first phase in under a year. Beneficiaries received title deeds, ownership certificates, and electricity and water connections, with the government covering utility bills until June.
Describing the handover as a symbol of collective resilience, Vijayan said, “Words fall short to describe this emotion. Rising above those who ignored and undermined us, an entire state came together to wipe the tears of our brothers and sisters. Today, as we hand over the first phase of the Wayanad Model Township, 178 homes, it stands as a powerful testament to Kerala’s resilience.”
He added, “Even when rightful aid was denied, we did not back down; we held each other closer. This is our Kerala.”
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) also handed over 51 houses under its first-phase rehabilitation initiative for families affected by the Chooralmala landslide on Saturday. IUML State president Panakkad Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal distributed the keys at Vellithode near Thrikkaipetta, with Sharada being the first beneficiary.
Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lauded the collaborative efforts across political parties. “The day before yesterday, we laid the foundation stone for the 100 houses we promised. This morning, I visited the government-built houses, and this evening I acknowledge the IUML’s monumental efforts in helping survivors rebuild their lives,” she said.
The July 2024 landslides claimed 298 lives, destroyed 59 houses completely, and rendered hundreds uninhabitable. In the immediate aftermath, 2,569 people from 728 families were accommodated in 17 relief camps across Wayanad, before being relocated to rented homes with the state covering rental expenses.
Livelihood assistance was provided to 752 families at ₹9,000 per month for one earning member, and to 507 families at ₹18,000 per month for two members. Twenty-one children who lost both parents received total assistance of ₹2.10 crore, while 858 families continue to receive monthly food coupons worth ₹1,000.