Wayanad (Kerala), February 19 – The first phase of the Wayanad Model Township, built to rehabilitate survivors of the Mundakkai–Chooralmala disaster, has been completed, with 178 houses ready for handover.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the township and distribute title deeds to beneficiaries at a function to be held at Elstone Estate in Kalpetta on February 25.
Conceived as a comprehensive rehabilitation project, the township is being developed through coordinated efforts of multiple government departments, agencies, and workers.
The Mundakkai–Chooralmala tragedy occurred on July 30, 2024, when devastating landslides and flash floods, triggered by intense monsoon rains, struck Wayanad.
It devastated four villages, injuring hundreds, claiming over 200 lives, and leaving 32 people still missing.
Entire settlements were swept away, homes were destroyed, families were displaced overnight, and many were left without shelter, prompting one of Kerala’s largest coordinated rehabilitation efforts.
The state government planned a total of 410 houses, along with supporting infrastructure.
In the first phase, 178 houses have been completed and will be allocated to families who completely lost their homes in the disaster.
Designed to suit Wayanad's terrain and climate, each single-storey house spans 1,000 sq ft and has a foundation strong enough to accommodate a second floor in the future.
The houses include a master bedroom, two additional rooms, a sit-out, a living room, a study, a dining area, a kitchen, and storage space.
Once fully completed, the township is expected to provide shelter to over 1,662 people.
Beyond housing, the project envisages a full-fledged residential ecosystem.
Facilities planned include internal roads, a health centre, an anganwadi, a public market, and community centres.
The health centre will be equipped with a laboratory, pharmacy, consultation, vaccination and observation rooms, outpatient facilities, and a ticket counter.
The public market will feature shops, stalls, an open market area, a children’s play space, and parking facilities.
The community centre will house a multipurpose hall, library, sports club, playground, and an open-air theatre.
For the project, the government acquired 64.4705 hectares of land at Elstone Estate in Kalpetta village to create a safe and habitable settlement for survivors.
The foundation stone was laid by the Chief Minister on March 27, 2025. The remaining construction activities are progressing rapidly.