Wayanad Landslide Survivors Move into New Homes as Kerala CM Inaugurates Model Township
Wayanad, March 2, 2026: Survivors of the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide got a fresh lease of life on Sunday as the Kerala government handed over new homes to 178 families among them. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the first phase of the Wayanad Model Township constructed at Elton Estate, marking the end of a long period of displacement for the families who had been living in rented and temporary accommodation .
Rehabilitation Initiative
Vijayan dedicated the township, with all basic amenities, to the beneficiaries, describing it as a "testament to Kerala's resolve to build back better." As part of the first phase, 178 houses were handed over to families whose homes were completely destroyed in the July 30, 2024 disaster .
The CM also distributed land titles to the beneficiaries. He said five acres of land were acquired near Meppadi village to rehabilitate 13 Scheduled Tribe families who were left isolated after the disaster, and the land pattas for them were also handed over on the occasion .
Comprehensive Township Development
The township, being developed on land acquired under the Disaster Management Act, envisages rehabilitation of 410 families. According to current estimates, 402 families comprising 1,662 people will reside there upon completion .
Spread across five zones with 35 clusters, each cluster comprises eight to 20 houses built around a central green courtyard, with a 5.5-metre-wide internal road. Each family is allotted seven cents of land with individual pattas .
The project has been conceived not merely as a housing scheme but as a comprehensive rehabilitation initiative aimed at providing improved living conditions compared to what was lost, in line with the 'Build Back Better' principle of disaster recovery, Vijayan explained .
Infrastructure and Amenities
The township includes facilities such as a community hall, disaster shelter, football ground, disaster memorial, shops, material collection facility, check dam and water body, underground power distribution network, drainage system, and a 9.5-lakh-litre overhead water tank .
Each house is equipped with a 2 kW solar power plant for electricity generation. Ten sewage treatment plants have been installed as part of the infrastructure, he said adding that the houses and public buildings have been constructed to withstand natural disasters, with reinforced concrete structures and scope for future vertical expansion .
Relief and Financial Assistance
Vijayan pointed out that his government provided ₹6,000 per month as house rent assistance to affected families, amounting to over ₹6 crore so far. Livelihood assistance totalling ₹17.2 crore was disbursed, along with ₹13 crore as relief assistance and ₹1.3 crore as emergency aid for the survivors .
Assistance of ₹2 crore was extended to 21 children who lost their parents, and 858 families continue to receive monthly food coupons worth ₹1,000, he further said .
Vijayan noted that ₹773.98 crore was contributed to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund for Wayanad disaster victims. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh contributed ₹10 crore each, while Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan provided ₹5 crore each .The state also assumed responsibility for settling debts of disaster-hit families that amounted to ₹18.75 crore, covering 1,620 loans availed by 555 beneficiaries across various banks .
Commitment to Complete Rehabilitation
The Chief Minister assured that all the landslide survivors would be rehabilitated as part of the initiative before the next monsoon season and an action plan has already been completed in this regard .
Recalling the tragedy that claimed several lives, Vijayan paid homage to those who died in the landslides and said the ceremony was marked by both relief and painful memories of loved ones lost .
Revenue Minister P Rajan, Tourism Minister P A Mohammed Riyas, MLAs and various other people's representatives and officials took part in the programme .