Mundakkai Rehabilitation: Draw of Lots Held for First Phase Housing Allotment

Kalpetta: A draw of lots to allot houses under the first phase of the government’s rehabilitation township for families affected by the Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslide was held on Friday under the leadership of Minister O R Kelu. The draw was conducted ahead of the house handover scheduled for February 25, ensuring a transparent selection process.

T Ashraf, a resident of Chooralmala, drew the first lot. Nine Akshaya Centre counters were set up at the venue to assist beneficiaries with documentation. Kalpetta MLA T Siddique, government officials and representatives of various organisations attended the event.

A total of 178 houses have been completed in the first phase, out of the 410 houses planned in the township. Priority has been given to families who completely lost their homes and land in the disaster. Each house has a built-up area of about 1,000 square feet and includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sit-out, living and dining areas, a study room, kitchen and work area. The houses are designed with foundations that allow additional floors to be built later if required.

For the rehabilitation project, the government acquired 64.4705 hectares of land at Elstone Estate. Construction is progressing through coordinated efforts of various government departments and agencies, taking into account the terrain and climatic conditions of the region. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan laid the foundation stone for the township on March 27, 2025. The first phase has now been completed on the 316th day since construction began, while roofing work for 304 houses has already been finished and the remaining construction is moving ahead quickly, officials said.

Once fully completed, the township will provide homes for more than 1,662 people. Along with housing, the project includes roads, a health centre, an anganwadi, a public market and community centres. The health centre will have a laboratory, pharmacy, examination and vaccination rooms, observation facilities and outpatient services.

The public market will include shops, stalls, an open market area, a children’s play space and parking facilities. The community centre will have a multipurpose hall, playground, library, sports club and an open-air theatre.

Each beneficiary will receive a title deed for seven cents of land along with electricity and drinking water connections. For houses handed over in the first phase, these connections will initially be issued in the name of the District Collector, with the cost borne by the district administration.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Thursday that all identified beneficiaries would be provided with land and housing before the next monsoon season, ensuring complete rehabilitation. He said the project demonstrates the government’s commitment to translating promises into concrete action.