Mon Jan 19 10:30:25 UTC 2026: # Kerala to Hand Over First Phase of Houses to Landslide Survivors in February 2026
The Story
The Kerala government is set to hand over the first phase of houses to survivors of the devastating Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslides in Wayanad district in February 2026. Revenue Minister K. Rajan announced that these houses are part of a township project on the Elston Estate near Kalpetta, constructed as part of the State government’s rehabilitation program. The landslides occurred on July 30, 2024, displacing numerous families. The Minister also addressed concerns regarding the ownership dispute over land earmarked for the proposed Sabarimala airport, clarifying that a recent court ruling against the government was due to procedural lapses and not related to the ownership claim itself.
Key Points
- The first phase of houses for the survivors of the July 30, 2024 landslides will be handed over in February 2026.
- The houses are part of a larger township project comprising 410 houses being built on the Elston Estate near Kalpetta.
- The initial phase includes approximately 300 houses complete with basic amenities.
- K. Rajan emphasized that the government has been expediting the land acquisition, planning, and construction since late 2024.
- The Minister addressed a court ruling regarding the ownership of land intended for the Sabarimala airport, attributing the loss to procedural shortcomings.
Key Takeaways
- The Kerala government is making progress in rehabilitating those displaced by the 2024 landslides, fulfilling its promise to provide secure housing.
- The handover in February 2026 signifies a significant step in the long-term recovery of affected communities in Wayanad district.
- The clarification regarding the court ruling on the Sabarimala airport land suggests ongoing legal challenges related to land acquisition and infrastructure projects in Kerala.
First Piper 