Wayanad township: Second-phase house construction to be completed by October 31
Construction of the second phase of houses in the Wayanad township at Elstone Estate, Kalpetta, for survivors of the Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslides will be completed by October 31, Kerala Agriculture Minister T. Siddique announced on Monday. The draw of lots to allot the newly built homes to beneficiaries will be conducted by November 1, 2026, he said after chairing a review meeting on rehabilitation efforts at the Wayanad District Collectorate in Kalpetta on October 5.
Housing works on track
According to the Minister, rehabilitation and township construction are progressing rapidly. The first phase of the project, comprising 178 houses, has been completed, with 177 families already relocated. The remaining 149 houses—part of the second phase—are in the final stages and will be ready by the end of October.
The Minister instructed the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and the District Collector to oversee the draw of lots and ensure that ownership of houses, land, and water and electricity connections are transferred in the beneficiaries’ names without delay. Internal road construction within the township is slated for completion by December.
Essential facilities and employment initiatives
Supporting infrastructure within the township is also nearing completion. Facilities including an anganwadi, market, public toilets, a playground, and a health centre are expected to be ready by November. Proposals to set up a parade ground and a school within the township are under active consideration by the government.
To bolster livelihood opportunities for survivors, the Minister said the tendering process for a ₹15-crore skill park would begin this month.
Financial assistance guidelines cleared
A Cabinet subcommittee has approved guidelines for disbursing financial assistance to address loan liabilities, repair damaged buildings, and support affected traders. Officials from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) will visit Kalpetta on October 8 and 9 to hold discussions with local representatives and survivors and finalise the list of beneficiaries. A coordination committee will meet subsequently, and the assistance will be disbursed soon, the Minister said.
Support for education and livelihoods
Mr. Siddique said steps would be expedited to rebuild the Mundakkai and Vellarimala schools. District Collector V. Chelasini informed the meeting that ₹2 lakh is being provided to disaster-affected families who lost their livelihoods under the micro-plan scheme, with assistance already extended to 370 families.
Debris clearance and early warning system
The Irrigation Department reported that debris-clearing works costing ₹50.05 crore have resumed as part of a ₹194-crore river protection and debris-removal package. An early warning system to alert residents about landslides and floods will be installed under the project.
Twin-tunnel project oversight and relief supplies
Regarding the Anakkampoyil–Kalladi twin-tunnel project, the Minister directed the construction firm and officials to ensure the safe removal and disposal of excavated soil and debris, emphasising that the safety of local residents must be prioritised. He asked authorities to take an immediate decision on the matter. He also instructed officials to ensure there are no complaints about the supply of free ration to disaster-affected families at Kalladi.
Looking ahead
With the second phase of housing set to conclude by October 31 and allotment scheduled for November 1, 2026, authorities have outlined a tight schedule to complete essential services and infrastructure by the end of the year. Parallel efforts to deliver financial relief, restore educational facilities, and strengthen disaster preparedness aim to provide comprehensive rehabilitation for those displaced by the Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslides.
