Kerala landslide survivors prepare for fresh start as 123 homes handed over in Wayanad
Wayanad: The rehabilitation process at the Mundakkai-Chooralmala Township in Wayanad moved forward on Monday after 40 more houses were officially handed over to beneficiaries under the first phase of the project.
With the latest distribution, the total number of houses handed over has reached 123. Authorities said 178 houses are being provided during the first phase, while the remaining homes will be handed over in the coming days.
The houses were distributed cluster-wise and zone-wise across the township. Officials from Kifcon and the Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS) supervised the handover process along with beneficiaries through detailed joint inspections.
Families waiting for collective housewarming ceremony
Although ownership has already been transferred, families have not yet shifted into the new homes. Survivors have reportedly decided to conduct a collective housewarming ceremony for all 178 families together before officially moving in.
Many residents expressed hope that the remaining homes would be handed over before the monsoon season begins, allowing all families to settle into the township safely.
Once final procedures are completed, beneficiaries will receive house keys and can move into the homes at any time.
Survivors reunite after disaster
The township is becoming a symbol of recovery for families displaced by the devastating Wayanad landslide disaster. Survivors who had been scattered across different locations after the tragedy are now preparing to live together again in the newly built community.
Several emotional moments were witnessed during the inspections as families reunited and shared memories of the disaster while looking ahead to a fresh start.
Among those visiting the township was Shahnaz Pookkattil from Chooralmala, who had helped rescue others during the landslide tragedy. Speaking during the inspection visit, she said the memories of the disaster would never fade but added that families were happy to begin a new chapter together.
Her father Ashraf, who visited the township with his family, also expressed happiness over receiving a new home.
Three-stage inspection to ensure quality
Officials said the houses undergo a detailed three-phase inspection process before being handed over to beneficiaries.
The first stage includes a 24-hour ponding test to check for water leakage or stagnation issues. The second stage involves a joint technical inspection by Kifcon and ULCCS officials to identify and fix any construction defects.
The final inspection phase includes beneficiaries themselves, allowing families to check the homes personally and share suggestions or concerns before taking ownership.
Authorities said the inspections are aimed at ensuring the houses are safe, durable and free from major defects before residents move in.