From Tragedy to Hope: The Real Kerala Story

Kalpetta: Four-year-old Naisa, sitting in the arms of her mother Jaseela, picked lottery slip number 151 – 4 A252, a moment that symbolised far more than a house allotment. The child, who lost her father and siblings in the devastating landslide, has now become the owner to a new home and a piece of land in the government-built township. Soon, her laughter will echo through the new neighbourhood.

In the aftermath of the catastrophe that ravaged Mundakkai–Chooralmala, the state has spearheaded a massive rehabilitation effort. What is emerging is described as a world-class township — a testament to collective resilience and solidarity. Survivors who lost everything in the landslide are now rebuilding their lives as homeowners once again.

The house allotment ceremony for 175 families affected by the disaster turned into an emotional gathering. Many survivors expressed tearful gratitude for the government’s determination to rehabilitate them.

The draw was conducted following a meeting of the township inauguration organising committee and was led by Minister O. R. Kelu. Township Chief Operating Officer J. O. Arun explained the transparent procedures adopted for the lottery.

Each beneficiary selected a three-digit lot indicating zone, cluster and plot number. In Phase One, 115 houses were allotted in Zone One, 30 houses in Zone Three and 33 houses in Zone Four.

House numbers were displayed publicly and shown live on a large screen before being placed in the lottery box, ensuring complete transparency. The process concluded by 3 pm.

Among the dignitaries present were MLA T. Siddique, District Panchayat President Chandrika Krishnan, CPI(M) District Secretary K. Rafeek, State Committee Member C. K. Saseendran, and CPI District Secretary E. J. Babu.

For many, the day brought unexpected additional relief. Tamlik, a cable operator from Chooralmala who lost his home and livelihood in the landslide, described the moment as "extra special" after the minister announced fresh Cabinet assistance for traders and entrepreneurs.

“I came to draw lots for a house. Then the minister announced additional help for traders. This has become very relieving for us,” he said.

Tamlik had been running a cable network since 1996, laying 13 kilometres of optical fibre from Meppadi. The disaster destroyed his house and business overnight.

Under the relief package, Shops that suffered complete loss will receive ₹7 lakh. For multiple shops, ₹2.5 lakh will be provided for each additional unit. Manufacturing units will receive 50% of losses up to ₹20 lakh. Service enterprises can receive up to ₹10 lakh. Trade businesses can receive up to ₹7 lakh.

Funds have been allocated from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the District Collector for distribution.

“Completely Satisfied”

Panjali Ashraf, a trader from Chooralmala and the first beneficiary to draw a house, received House No. 104 in Zone One. His voice carried visible relief.

“I never imagined I would get my life back after the disaster. I lost everything overnight. The government gave us strength to move forward,” he said.

Ashraf’s shop, Famous Store, was destroyed along with the building that housed it. With his wife and three children, he now looks ahead to rebuilding both his home and business.

Tears of Joy

In Kalpetta, Vatsala’s eyes filled with tears of joy as she drew Lot No. 76 in Zone One. Having lost her husband and son in the disaster, she arrived at the ceremony with her daughter, carrying both grief and hope.

Now, mother and daughter have a home to call their own.

From unimaginable loss to renewed beginnings, the township stands as a powerful symbol of resilience — a story not of despair, but of solidarity, survival and hope rising from the ruins.