Mounting concerns surround the rehabilitation of landslide survivors in Wayanad, particularly focusing on construction quality, delays, and accountability at the Elston Estate township project. During a visit by Kerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan, issues such as cracks in a house at the Mundakkai–Chooralmala rehabilitation township sparked fresh debate, with police presence due to potential protests.
Minister Rajan, accompanied by local Left leaders, addressed concerns over visible seepage marks on the roof, dismissing structural crack claims as mere water leakage stains. He emphasized that the houses have not been handed over to beneficiaries officially, with only land titles distributed thus far. The Minister assured that any post-handover issues would be taken seriously, holding the contractor accountable as per the agreement.
The rehabilitation project, comprising 410 houses, is slated for completion by October, with consequences for delays. The Youth Congress has announced a protest at the site, adding to the political tension. Since the devastating landslides in July 2024, survivors await permanent homes, with questions arising over transparency, eligibility, and construction quality.
