Cracks in Mundakkai-Chooralmala Township house: Kerala Minister K Rajan confirms water seepage

Kalpetta (Kerala): Following reports of cracks in a house at the township built by the government for the Mundakkai-Chooralmala disaster victims, Revenue Minister K Rajan visited the site for an inspection.

The Minister arrived to assess the situation personally after news surfaced recently. He specifically examined the marked areas by rubbing over the cracks himself to verify their nature.

Minister K Rajan stated that the issue would have been far more serious had it occurred after the house was officially handed over. He warned that if water continues to seep through these cracks even after the handover, the construction agency, Uralungal (ULCCS), must take immediate action, failing which the government would withhold payments as per the contract. Although social media claims suggested these were not cracks but merely pencil marks, the Minister’s physical inspection confirmed the presence of water seepage.

The Minister noted that there were attempts to cover up areas where water had seeped through. However, he claimed that the cracks were not of a major structural nature. He further explained that the houses have not yet been officially handed over; only the title deeds (Pattayam) were distributed during the previous ceremony.

Currently, cracks have been identified in two locations. The Minister stated that 178 houses are expected to be ready for occupation by next month. Although there were prior claims that all houses would be completed before the monsoon, the contract with Uralungal stipulates a deadline of October. The Minister warned of strict action against the agency if they fail to adhere to the contract.

Meanwhile, Uralungal CEO Arun Babu stated that there is no cause for alarm regarding the cracks. He announced that scientific tests would be conducted to determine if there are any structural issues with the building. Future inspections will be carried out in the presence of the homeowner.

Authorities clarified that the entire terrace would undergo waterproofing, and re-concreting using fibre for additional strength would be performed. Uralungal assured that all concerns of the disaster victims would be addressed and further decisions would be taken following a complete inspection of the house.