KOZHIKODE: More than 18 months after the devastating landslide in Wayanad, building owners in Chooralmala and Mundakkai are still awaiting assistance from the government and NGOs. As the first phase of the rehabilitation township at Elstone Estate approaches completion, no compensation has been announced for those who lost their properties in the disaster.
T A Asif Ali, who lost six buildings spanning 10 cents in the landslide, reported that a total of 122 properties owned by 52 individuals were either partially or entirely destroyed. “The estimated loss is about ₹15 crore. While we haven’t received any compensation, we are still receiving notices for property tax, including for buildings in no-go zones. I recently received a notice demanding ₹3,400 in tax for just one unit,” he commented.
Ali also mentioned that tax notices threatening legal action for unpaid dues were issued as recently as December 30, 2025, despite authorities refusing to consider requests for repairing or reusing partially damaged structures. Although the collector assured owners in October 2025 that they would forward recommendations for compensation to the government, their concerns remain unaddressed.
“Only eight building owners directly affected by the disaster have received any compensation,” shared Ali, who is on the government beneficiary list due to the destruction of his residence.
Families of building owners, who relied on rental income, are struggling. Many have resorted to roadside stalls, security jobs, or daily-wage work for survival. C K Abu, who once generated steady rental income from three shops, now sells tender coconuts to make ends meet.
“Many had constructed their buildings after securing loans, relying on consistent rental income. Some invested their retirement savings from decades spent in tea plantations, while others used savings accumulated from working abroad. Now they face significant distress,” Ali explained.
V Niran, a representative of the building owners’ association, stated that the total outstanding bank loans of all affected property owners amount to approximately ₹6 crore. Loan repayments ceased once their income streams dried up.
Building owners are demanding immediate compensation at ₹3,000 per square foot, with the minimum claim set at ₹25 lakh. They urge the government to include them in the detailed recovery plan, waive their loans, and allocate commercial space in the planned township for survivors.
Ali pointed out that while tenants, who resided in the destroyed buildings for only a month, have been allocated houses in the new township, the building owners have been excluded from the beneficiary list.
