Kerala Minister Announces February Handover for Landslide Victims' Township
Revenue Minister K Rajan has confirmed that construction of the model township for rehabilitating victims of the Chooralmala-Mundakkai landslide disaster is progressing rapidly. The first phase of houses will be handed over to beneficiaries in February next year.
Complete Houses for Immediate Occupancy
Minister Rajan made this announcement after reviewing construction progress at the Elston Estate on Monday. He told reporters that authorities will hand over houses only after completing all necessary works. This approach ensures beneficiaries can begin living in their new homes immediately without any delays.
The minister revealed that the Karnataka government has provided Rs 10 crore specifically for house construction. However, he noted that the central government has not provided any funds for housing assistance to the disaster victims.
Criticism of Central Government's Stance
Rajan expressed disappointment with the central government's position regarding debt relief for disaster victims. He stated that despite having the ability to waive loans of those affected by the tragedy, the Centre has taken a negative stance on this matter.
The removal of Section 13 has created additional hardship for affected families, Rajan explained. This section previously empowered the National Disaster Management Authority to write off loans for disaster victims.
Substantial Construction Progress
The township being constructed for Mundakkai-Chooralmala disaster victims shows significant advancement:
- Roofing has been completed for 289 houses
- Construction activities are progressing across five different zones
- More than 1,700 workers are engaged daily in the project
- A total of 11.423 kilometers of roads will be constructed within the township
Comprehensive Livelihood Assistance
The government has implemented extensive support measures for disaster victims from August 2024 to December 2025, covering a period of seventeen months:
- Two members from families that lost their livelihood sources receive Rs 300 each from the State Disaster Response Fund
- An additional Rs 300 is provided from the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund to one member of families with bedridden patients undergoing long-term treatment
- Financial assistance has reached 1,183 beneficiaries through twelve instalments as per government orders
For December 2025 alone, livelihood assistance amounting to Rs 1,06,47,000 was sanctioned for 1,183 beneficiaries. Between August 2024 and December 2025, the government utilized Rs 21,06,000 from the CMDRF and Rs 15,41,48,000 from the SDRF specifically for livelihood assistance.
During this same period, authorities provided Rs 5,91,06,200 exclusively as rent assistance to disaster victims who lost their homes.
Additional Support Measures
Minister Rajan confirmed that measures are being taken to compensate traders for their losses resulting from the disaster. He also announced plans to rebuild the Vellarimala Higher Secondary School, which was destroyed during the landslide event.
If government land is not available for the school reconstruction, authorities will purchase land by paying appropriate compensation and establish the educational institution at the new location.
