KALPETTA: Nearly two years after the landslide swept away their homes and memories, 51 families from Chooralmala and Mundakkai are rebuilding—steadily and bravely. In a township created by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) at Thrikkaippatta-Vellithode, survivors are moving into new homes that stand as quiet symbols of relief, resilience, and the strength to begin again.
In the first phase, families gathered under one roof, setting aside faith and politics, bound instead by shared loss and quiet trust. That trust now stands fulfilled, homes delivered even before the government township at Kalpetta becomes fully operational.
Over the past two days, families have begun moving in—some already carving out small patches for home farming. Of the 51 houses, 14 were allotted to Hindu families, prioritised without a draw; their housewarmings opened with traditional rites, including Ganapathi homam, in the presence of local IUML leaders. The remaining 37 homes, assigned to Muslim families through a draw, were welcomed with prayers of their own—each home carrying a quiet, heartfelt note of gratitude.
Binimol, one among the first to move in, said the moment felt like a long-awaited answer to their prayers. “We had complete faith in the League, we knew they would keep their word. That is why we stepped away from the government project. Today, we feel truly blessed. This is a beautiful, fully furnished three-bedroom home with every modern facility. We couldn’t have asked for more,” she said.
By evening, the formal housewarming ceremonies began, attended by leaders including Panakkad Syed Sadiqali Shihab Thangal, P K Kunhalikutty, and P M A Salam. The gathering remained intimate, about 1,500 people, largely family and relatives, coming together for a reception organised by the beneficiaries themselves.
Thangal said the project was driven purely by the need to help people rebuild their lives. “This township should be seen from a humanitarian perspective,” he said.
Thangal: 25 more houses to be finished by June 15
“The decision to provide houses was made keeping in mind how people could overcome the disaster. There was no politics in it. Support poured in from across the world,” Thangal said. He added that 25 more houses would be completed by June 15, with the remaining units expected by September.
Kunhalikutty, visibly emotional, said witnessing families settle into their new homes was deeply moving. “They have gone through immense sorrow. Today, what I saw in their eyes were tears of joy. A dedicated team worked tirelessly for this project, ensuring every house was built with care and precision. We built these homes with all our heart,” he said, his voice faltering as he paused to steady himself.
The township, located at Thrikkaippatta Vellithode, features 1,050 sq ft homes with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, dining area, workspace, and sit-out. Each house comes fully furnished, equipped with essential appliances. Brick-paved courtyards, tiled internal roads, water supply, and electricity connections shape the layout, while trees and flowering plants bring the space to life. The IUML has also provided a month’s worth of food kits to support the families as they settle in.
The League mobilised funds independently, purchasing 11 acres to build homes for 105 families. Designed by architect Tony Joseph, the houses allow for future expansion with provisions for an additional floor. Since the disaster, over Rs 37 crore has been raised through the ‘For Wayanad’ crowdfunding initiative, which remains open.
Meanwhile, the government’s housing project in Kalpetta has completed 178 of the proposed 410 houses, and the title deeds issued, but pending work continues to delay relocation. The Congress-led effort to build 100 houses is yet to move beyond the foundation stage, laid earlier this year at Kunnampetta in Meppadi panchayat.