Significant strides have been made in the ongoing rehabilitation efforts for survivors of the devastating Wayanad landslide, with authorities announcing the completion of a crucial construction phase. The roof slab work for 122 houses at the new township in Elstone Estate has been finished, marking a major milestone in providing permanent shelter to the affected families.
Comprehensive Construction Progress Across Five Zones
According to an official release from the state government, the massive construction project is being executed systematically across five designated zones. The work is progressing on multiple fronts simultaneously to expedite the process. Site preparation has been completed for a total of 344 houses, while foundation work is ready for 303 houses. Furthermore, workers have finished stump work for 302 houses, plinth work for 287 houses, and shear wall construction for 243 houses.
Infrastructure Development in Full Swing
Beyond the residential units, critical infrastructure is being laid down to create a fully functional township. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has successfully relocated the power distribution line that passed through the area. As part of this upgrade, four major towers for a 110kV line have been installed at Elstone Estate to ensure a reliable power supply for the future community.
The road network is also taking shape in a three-phased construction plan. The blueprint includes:
- A 12.6-meter wide main road stretching 1.1 kilometers in length.
- A secondary road, 9.5 meters wide, extending for 2.7 kilometers to connect the different zones of the township.
- Internal roads, each 5.8 meters wide, covering a total length of 7.5 kilometers to provide access to all residential areas.
To date, construction crews have completed 490 meters of the main road and 906 meters of the phase-II road. When finished, the township will boast a comprehensive road network spanning 11.4 kilometers.
Essential Amenities and Round-the-Clock Efforts
Authorities are ensuring that the new settlement is self-sufficient with essential utilities. Construction is underway for a drinking water storage tank with a massive capacity of nine lakh litres, a dedicated sewage treatment plant, and comprehensive drainage systems. These amenities are crucial for the long-term health and hygiene of the community.
The scale of the project demands a massive workforce. Currently, over 1,300 workers are engaged in construction activities at the township, working in shifts to maintain 24/7 progress. Officials have stated that more workers will be deployed to further accelerate the construction pace and meet the goal of rehabilitating the landslide survivors at the earliest.
The coordinated effort by the state government and various agencies highlights a committed response to a natural disaster, focusing on building not just houses, but a sustainable and connected new community for those who lost their homes.
