THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced on Thursday that the state government plans to complete approximately 300 houses with necessary facilities to be handed over in February. This marks the first phase of rehabilitation for victims of the Wayanad landslide disaster.
“Our aim is to finish around 300 houses along with essential amenities and provide them to beneficiaries as the initial phase in February,” the CM stated during a press conference.
He mentioned that these houses are part of a larger township under development on Elston Estate land, located near the Kalpetta bypass, specifically for families affected by the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslides in Wayanad.
The project is progressing swiftly, emphasizing safety, quality, and long-term sustainability, according to Vijayan.
He added that the township will comprise 410 houses along with all the vital facilities necessary for a dignified life.
“This initiative is not merely about offering shelter; it’s about restoring lives disrupted by the calamity,” he explained.
The planned township will feature an underground electricity system, a drinking water supply with a high-capacity tank, internal roads, a public health center, anganwadi (childcare center), community hall, market, playgrounds, and waste management facilities.
Each house will also include a solar power system and a personal drinking water storage tank.
Vijayan further stated that strict quality control measures are in place during construction. Materials such as cement, sand, and steel are being tested on-site and verified by independent third-party organizations.
“Quality assurance is maintained at every step, with work progressing post-inspections,” he added, noting that contractors will provide a five-year warranty against construction defects.
Around 1,600 workers are currently engaged in this project, working tirelessly. Significant tasks, including roofing of several houses, road construction, and the establishment of drinking water tanks, have already been completed, the chief minister reported.
Addressing the government’s disaster rehabilitation strategy, Vijayan emphasized the “Build Back Better” principle.
“We are committed to ensuring that every family affected by disasters receives a safer, improved living space,” he affirmed.
Vijayan remarked that initiatives like the LIFE Mission underscore the state’s commitment to recognizing housing as a basic right.
“A total of 476,076 houses have been completed and allotted through the LIFE Mission, allowing that many families to move into secure homes. By February, this number will rise to 500,000, with 124,471 houses currently under construction at various stages,” he added.
