KOZHIKODE: Revenue Minister K Rajan announced that the housing project for the victims of the Mundakkai-Chooralmala disaster at Elstone Estate will be completed by December 2025. The development will accommodate over 1,662 individuals in 410 houses, with 140 residents each receiving a seven-cent plot. Rajan revealed that the government has allocated ₹108 crore for rehabilitation efforts and called for increased machinery use to remove debris from Punnapuzha.
The minister disclosed that ₹3.6 crore has been earmarked for Kudumbashree’s micro plan, and ₹43.7 crore has been spent on acquiring land at Elstone Estate. Furthermore, a total of ₹13.3 crore has been distributed as compensation to families of 220 deceased individuals, while 104 others received financial aid of ₹15 lakh each in lieu of housing.
In terms of livelihood support, ₹10.1 crore was allocated to 1,133 beneficiaries, and an additional ₹20 crore has been approved for the operational costs of the township’s special office. Emergency aid of ₹1.3 crore and rental support amounting to ₹4.3 crore were also provided.
Rajan stated that the foundation work for 51 homes is complete, with dynamic cone penetration testing conducted for 54 homes and plain cement concrete laying finished for 41. Foundation construction is ongoing for 19 additional houses, while site preparation for the second phase is advancing swiftly.
According to Rajan, the model home is set to be finished by the end of July. Currently, 110 workers are on-site, with more laborers expected to arrive soon to expedite progress.
In response to concerns from residents of Padavettikunnu not listed as beneficiaries, the minister assured that their requests will be reviewed, pledging that the government would not neglect families affected by the disaster.
To maintain transparency, a separate bank account has been created to manage all financial transactions related to the township’s construction. A monitoring committee, which includes the Chief Minister, the opposition leader, and representatives from sponsors, is overseeing the entire process.
