Wayanad (Kerala): The inauguration of the Wayanad township project, built for survivors of the 2024 Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslides, has been postponed from February 25 to March 1, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) announced on Monday.

"The first phase inauguration of the Wayanad township has been rescheduled to March 1 at 3:30 pm," the CMO said in a statement, without providing further details.

Government sources suggested additional time is needed to complete essential infrastructure before the ceremony. Reports also indicate that holding the event on a holiday influenced the decision to move it to Sunday. With assembly elections in the state approaching, political observers note the government may present the event as a major achievement.

First phase set to benefit 178 families

The first phase of the Kalpetta township, initially scheduled for February 25, will provide homes to 178 families who lost everything in the landslides. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier said the project fulfils the government's promise to affected residents.

The township spans the Elston Estate in Kalpetta, with 410 houses across five zones. During the first phase, 115 houses in Zone 1, 30 in Zone 3, and 33 in Zone 4 will be handed over to beneficiaries. Distribution of land titles to homeowners will also take place at the inauguration.

Project background and timeline

The Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslides in July 2024 claimed over 200 lives and destroyed hundreds of homes. The township project was launched to provide permanent housing for survivors.

Chief Minister Vijayan laid the foundation stone on March 27, 2025. Allotment of first-phase homes was completed recently, ahead of the rescheduled inauguration.