After 19 months, Wayanad landslide survivors get new homes at model township

Kozhikode: On Jul 30, 2024, the hills came crashing down, destroying the villages of Chooralmala and Mundakkai in Wayanad in what became the most-devastating landslide in Kerala's history. Nineteen months later, the inauguration of Phase-I of the model township at Elstone Estate on Sunday marked not just the completion of a housing project but the symbolic rebirth of a shattered community — a testament to the resilience of survivors and the collective resolve of the state.Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan handed over the keys of 178 homes to families who had lost their homes in the disaster. He described the township as a living example of the Kerala Model rooted in love, compassion and togetherness. He said the project represents more than the construction of homes; it aims to create a better living ecosystem for survivors that embodies the disaster management principle of ‘building back better'.Many survivors arrived at the venue after paying homage at the mass grave in Puthumala, where their loved ones were laid to rest. Special buses brought affected families to the township, while hundreds from different walks of life gathered from early morning, holding placards and balloons, to witness the culmination of months of rehabilitation work. A 17,000 sq ft pandal had been erected to seat 1,200 people, but the turnout exceeded its capacity."This Kerala Model of mutual love and solidarity beyond all differences is once again drawing global attention," said Vijayan, adding that it stands as a response to false propaganda by those uneasy with people living together in harmony, including some making films.He said the township project was by no means easy. It became a reality despite adverse interventions, misinformation campaigns, denial of central assistance and legal obstacles. Some interventions were driven by a vindictive mindset, he said.Vijayan said the township was conceived in response to survivors' desire to continue living together as a community. He distributed title deeds for seven cents to beneficiaries and assured that the remaining families would be rehabilitated before next monsoon, with basic furniture provided in new homes.He highlighted the unprecedented public response to the chief minister's distress relief fund, which received Rs 773.9 crore for Wayanad's rehabilitation. Kerala assumed Rs 18.7 crore in outstanding loans covering 1,620 borrowings by 555 beneficiaries after Centre declined assistance.Revenue minister K Rajan said construction in the township would continue without interruption. "Until families move to their new homes, they will continue to receive Rs 6,000/month as rent assistance, up to Rs 18,000/family for livelihood support and Rs 1,000/month in food coupons," he said.Each 1,000 sq ft single-storeyed house has a foundation strong enough for a second floor in future. Each house includes a master bedroom, two additional rooms, a sit-out, living area, study room, dining hall, kitchen and storage space.Phase-II will include a health centre, anganwadi, public market, community centre, lab, pharmacy, examination, vaccination and observation rooms, an OP ticket counter, solar facilities, waste management systems, shops and stalls, an open market area, children's play space and parking facilities. A multipurpose centre with indoor sports facilities, library, sports club and open-air theatre, along with a memorial, is also planned.The CM also distributed land titles for five acres acquired at Puthiya village in Meppadi to rehabilitate 13 affected ST families. He added that the govt may relocate Kalpetta LP School to the township.