Township: A Universally Recognised Kerala Model – M.A. Baby

Kalpatta: CPIM General Secretary M.A. Baby stated that the township set up by the state government in Kalpatta for the survivors of the Mundakkai and Chooralmala landslides is a model that has won universal recognition. He made this statement during his visit to the township, where the first phase of the inauguration was completed, and 178 houses were handed over.

M.A. Baby mentioned that the LDF government has united the people and written a survival saga, efficiently organising rehabilitation for the survivors. Many survivors from the disaster zone visited the township to welcome the CPI(M) leadership, which has been organising and providing dream homes for the survivors since the rescue phase. CPI(M) District Secretary K. Rafeeq, State Committee Member C.K. Sasindran, along with District Secretariat and District Committee members, were also present.

Malayalam cinema actor Mammootty also visited the township on Saturday. He told the media that the township represents Kerala's social capital. "Food, clothing, and shelter are the primary necessities. This is built with the collective contribution of the people. What we see here is the heart of the people," Mammootty said.

The township has become a reality due to the coordinated efforts of various government systems, agencies, and workers, designed to suit the natural landscape and climate of Wayanad. In the first phase of the township, 178 homes have been completed out of the total 410 homes and facilities planned. The first phase of homes is being provided to families who lost their homes entirely in the disaster. The buildings are designed to be expanded to two stories in the future, with foundations prepared for this purpose. The homes include a main bedroom, two other rooms, a sit-out, living room, study room, dining area, kitchen, and storage space.

Apart from the houses, the township will also feature public roads, a healthcare center, an anganwadi, a public market, and community centers. The healthcare center will be equipped with a laboratory, pharmacy, examination, vaccination and observation rooms, as well as OP and ticket counter facilities. The public market will include shops, stalls, an open market, a play area for children, and parking. The community center will feature a multi-purpose hall, a play area, a library, a sports club, and an open-air theater.

To rehabilitate the disaster-affected people, the government acquired 64.4705 hectares of land in Elston Estate, Kalpetta village, to build the township. The acquisition was aimed at providing a safe living space for the survivors. Construction activities began the day after the land acquisition.