Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government Thursday marked the start of the model township project for the rehabilitation of survivors of the July 2024 Wayanad landslide, reflecting both the memory of the tragic disaster and the unity shown in overcoming it, with support from the Opposition Congress.
Laying the foundation stone for the project on the 65-hectare government-acquired land in Kalpetta’s Elston estate, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the project was possible even without any aid from the Central government because of the state’s unity and strength.
“Even without the Centre’s aid, we went ahead with the project. We got help from everyone. We took up the project even when the State was going through financial challenges following the pandemic. Normally, it would have been considered impossible. But we had the courage, and it’s because of the State’s unity. We had to do it. We didn’t have the time or situation to ask how,” Vijayan said.
The CM noted that people across Kerala and the Malayali diaspora, regardless of political affiliation, religion, or other differences, contributed in any way they could for the rehabilitation efforts. In addition, the students of the National Development Scheme (NSS) donated Rs 10 crore, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) volunteered to build 100 houses, and the Karnataka state government committed Rs 20 crore, among other contributions, he said.
“We can’t thank them enough. We are proud to achieve this. Nothing is impossible if we have support from the people. No disaster can defeat Kerala. The State will overcome everything with unity and perseverance,” he said, adding that the township is only the beginning of the rehabilitation as the State government is actively interfering to waive off the loans taken by the survivors and to ensure the education and protection of the children who lost their parents.
The CM also launched a sponsorship portal—’Rebuilding lives of Meppadi’— during the event to facilitate donations for the project.
Official data shows that 266 people died and 32 went missing after multiple landslides struck the Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Attamala villages of Wayanad on 30 July. Over 1,000 people were hospitalised as the three villages, along with two schools, were completely destroyed in the aftermath.
The state government project is being carried out amid criticism from the LDF-led government and Congress, both accusing the Centre of an ‘inhuman approach’ towards the state.
Amid the state’s continued request for a Rs 2,000 crore compensation package, the Centre recently approved a Rs 529.50 crore loan for rehabilitation, to be utilised by 31 March. In January, Vijayan had stated that the state government would use Rs 712.98 crore from the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) for the rehabilitation efforts.
Speaking at the launch, Wayanad MP and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi said the Centre’s aid was negligible even after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the landslide-hit areas. She expressed happiness over the CM’s assurance that the project will be completed in a timely manner. She expressed hope that beneficiaries who were left out would be included.
“When we think of the brothers and sisters of Mundakkai and Chooralmala, two things struck. First, the immeasurable loss and the second, which was equally apparent, was the dignity and bravery with which you came out and how you stood together,” she said, also requesting the state to allot land for the construction of 100 houses for survivors by the Congress.
Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan also underlined that the opposition Congress was closely working with the state to ensure the success of the initiative and to extend it to all who are deserving.
“We are proud that instead of checking if the state is committing any mistakes and pointing it out, we were supporting the state and helping them do it efficiently,” he said at the event.
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The model township project
As per the initial phase of the rehabilitation, 430 houses will be built on the 65.4 hectares of land. The houses will be 1,000 square feet each, built on seven cents of land, and will have two bedrooms, a living room, study room, dining hall, kitchen, washroom, and storage area. Beside the houses, the township will also have an Anganwadi, a Primary health Centre (PHC), a market, sports area, park, library, community centre etc. Survivors who opted out of the township programme were given Rs 15 lakh as compensation.
The CM said the houses are being used in such a way to overcome natural calamities and can be expanded further.
Rajan, Minister for Revenue and Housing, said the township is only the beginning of the rehabilitation as the State Agricultural University will soon start studying the scope to start agricultural-related activities in the landslide hit Chooralmala. Besides this, the state will also rebuild the devastated Vellarmala GHSS school and the roads, he said.
“Not just Kerala, such a rehabilitation model is not heard of anywhere in India. Kerala is showing a world model for the rehabilitation of disaster survivors,” he said, adding that the state’s aim is not just to build homes but to build a new village.
(Edited by Zinnia Ray Chaudhuri)
