Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Inaugurates First Phase of Chooralmala-Mundakkai Township for Landslide Survivors

New life is beginning to take root in the hills once scarred by devastating landslides. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the first phase of the government-built rehabilitation township in Kalpetta, marking a significant milestone in the state’s recovery efforts.

In the first phase, 178 families who completely lost their homes and land in the landslides were handed over newly constructed houses. Each house has a built-up area of 1,000 square feet, and beneficiaries will receive a land title (patta) for seven cents of land. The first phase of the project was completed on the 320th day after construction began.

The landslide that struck on the night of July 29, 2024, caused widespread destruction, uprooting families and shattering livelihoods. For survivors who had lost everything, the greatest wish was to live together again as a community. The government stepped in to fulfil that hope, turning a vision of rebuilding into reality.

The township has been developed with comprehensive infrastructure, including a compound wall and entrance gate, 11.42 km of internal roads, underground electricity lines, a water supply network, drinking water tanks, sewage treatment plants, solar panels, and designated green spaces.

A total of 410 houses are being constructed across 64.47 hectares. The foundations for 304 houses have already been completed, and the remaining units are expected to be handed over by April.

In addition to housing, the township will feature essential public facilities such as a health centre, anganwadi, community centre, public market, landslide memorial, open-air theatre, multipurpose hall, library, playgrounds and an electricity substation.

The project is being executed at a cost of ₹299 crore under an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract with the Uralungal Labor Contract Society.

The initiative represents a major step toward restoring stability and dignity to families affected by one of the state’s most tragic natural disasters.