Kozhikode: Fifty-one families from Wayanad's landslide-hit Chooralmala and Mundakkai stepped into new homes built for them by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Monday. At Thrikkayipatta, where rows of newly built houses now stand, life began anew with hope and smiles returning to the families who had faced the full brunt of the July 2024 disaster.
The housewarming events carried a rare blend of faith. People conducted ceremonies as per their beliefs, with both Islamic prayers and Ganapathi Homam chants emerging from houses that stood side by side. For families who had lost almost everything, the day was not just about stepping into new houses — it was about stepping back into their lives.
IUML state president Panakkad Sadikali Shihab Thangal conveyed his greetings and wishes to the families at the function held in the afternoon. He said these were homes built with the heart, adding that it was the collective effort and unity of everyone involved that enabled the swift completion of the houses. Thangal stated that the project was envisioned not just as a housing project but as restoration of hope and dignity for a community that has endured unimaginable loss.
IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty turned emotional while speaking at the function and said that the successful completion of the first phase of the project was testament to the collective spirit of the people and the party's historical role in Kerala's social fabric.
Ramya, a native of Chooralmala who had lost her almost-complete house located at School Road in the disaster, said that the day marked a new chapter in her life. "The construction of our house was almost over which was wiped away in the disaster. Today it is a new start in our lives. We started with Ganapathi Homam at 4am. We are thankful to IUML for helping us in the journey of recovery," she said.
Residents expressed happiness at being provided fully furnished houses, including furniture and even kitchen utensils and food items. The second phase of the housing project, consisting of 25 houses, will be inaugurated on June 15, while the final phase will be completed by September 30.
The housewarming ceremonies were fully funded by the beneficiaries themselves. Responding to beneficiaries' demand that the houses be located in Meppadi panchayat, IUML had acquired 11.5 acres of land at Vellithodu for Rs 14.13 crore. The funds for the project were raised through crowdfunding. Each house is built on eight cents of land with a built-up area of 1,060 sq ft, consisting of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, dining hall, work area, sit-out, brick-paved courtyard, and a seven-metre-wide tiled front road. The first phase beneficiaries were selected through a lottery system. Construction of the remaining houses is in its final stage within the project area. While families have moved into the IUML housing project, the final works are still progressing in the state government's township project, though it was inaugurated on March 1.
