Thiruvananthapuram

Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday announced that the first phase of the Kalpetta township project for survivors of the 2024 Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslides in Wayanad will be inaugurated on February 25.

In a Facebook post, the Chief Minister said 175 houses will be handed over during the ceremony, marking a significant step in rehabilitating families affected by the disaster.

He described the township as the fulfilment of the state government’s promise to those who lost their homes and livelihoods in the landslides. According to Vijayan, the project demonstrates that the government not only makes commitments but also follows through on them.

The Chief Minister acknowledged that the initiative faced several challenges, claiming the state did not receive the assistance it expected and that there were attempts to undermine the project. However, he said public support enabled the government to move ahead without altering its course.

Vijayan highlighted the collective effort behind the initiative, noting that government staff, labourers, students, youth, and ordinary citizens contributed in various ways to make the project possible.

He said the township represents more than just a cluster of houses, calling it a testament to Kerala’s determination and resilience in the face of adversity. “It is a strong response to the indifference shown towards the state,” he added.

Along with distributing 175 completed homes, the government will also hand over title deeds to 178 beneficiaries during the first phase of the project.

Vijayan further stated that a total of 327 families will receive land and housing before the onset of the next monsoon season to ensure comprehensive rehabilitation. The remaining houses are nearing completion, he added.

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The Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslides in July 2024 claimed more than 200 lives and left hundreds homeless, prompting the state government to undertake a large-scale rehabilitation programme.