IUML to Hand Over 50 Rehabilitation Homes to Wayanad Landslide Victims on February 28
In a significant step towards recovery, fifty houses constructed under a rehabilitation project by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) for victims of the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide disaster in Wayanad will be officially handed over on February 28. This initiative marks a crucial phase in providing stable housing for those affected by the tragic event.
Beneficiary Selection and Project Details
A draw was recently held to select the beneficiaries for these individual houses, ensuring a fair and transparent allocation process. Out of a total of 105 beneficiaries identified for the project, the first phase will see 50 selected families receive their new homes. Each house has been built on eight cents of land located in Mukkamkunnu, within the Meppadi panchayat area.
The homes are designed to offer comfort and future expansion possibilities. Each unit measures 1,060 square feet and features three bedrooms, with the architectural design allowing for the potential addition of an upper floor in the future, accommodating growing family needs.
Land Acquisition and Infrastructure
For this ambitious project, the Muslim League acquired 12 acres of land across three sites along the Muttill–Meppadi road. This strategic acquisition ensures that the rehabilitation effort is not just about housing but also about community building. The project will include a park, an amphitheatre, and a community centre, fostering social interaction and recreational activities for residents.
Importantly, both the homes and the land will be registered in the names of the beneficiaries, providing them with legal ownership and long-term security.
Official Handover and Future Phases
The key handover ceremony will be presided over by IUML state president Panakkad Sadikkali Shihab Thangal, symbolizing the party's commitment to the welfare of the affected communities. Adding to the significance of the event, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi is also scheduled to attend, highlighting the cross-political support for disaster recovery efforts.
According to IUML district general secretary T Mohammed, the houses for the remaining beneficiaries will be completed and handed over in the second phase by May. This phased approach ensures that construction quality is maintained while progressively addressing the housing needs of all 105 families.
Government Coordination and Broader Efforts
This IUML project aligns with broader governmental initiatives for landslide survivors in Wayanad. In his budget speech, finance minister K N Balagopal announced that the first batch of homes would be handed over in the third week of February, a timeline now being met by this IUML effort.
Balagopal also noted that the construction of 410 homes is progressing at Elston Estate, indicating a larger-scale rehabilitation drive. Government officials have stated that 178 beneficiaries will be allotted homes in Phase-I of this government project, with allocation to be decided through a draw of lots, similar to the IUML process. Phase-II allotment is scheduled for May, mirroring the timeline of the IUML initiative.
These coordinated efforts between political organizations and the government underscore a collective response to the disaster, aiming to restore normalcy and provide sustainable living conditions for the survivors in Wayanad.
