Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is set to lay the foundation stone on February 26 for 50 houses being built by the Congress for survivors of the Wayanad natural disaster. The ceremony, scheduled for 2 pm at Kunnambetta in Meppadi panchayat, is part of the Congress party’s efforts to aid those affected by the devastating landslides in Mundakkai and Chooralmala in July 2024.
The tragic landslides wreaked havoc on four villages in Wayanad, resulting in widespread destruction across the hilly terrain. The disaster caused injuries to hundreds, claimed the lives of over 200 individuals, and left 32 people still unaccounted for. Additionally, more than 1,500 houses and structures were either destroyed or severely damaged, forcing entire communities to relocate overnight.
As part of the housing project, a total of 5.42 acres of land has been allocated, with 3.24 acres already registered and the remaining 2.18 acres set to be registered soon. Each recipient will receive eight cents of land, with each house covering an area of 1,100 square feet. The construction process includes soil structure testing, water-flow studies, and environmental engineering measures to ensure the safety and durability of the houses.
In the upcoming phase, an additional five acres in the Ezhanchira area of Meppadi panchayat will be acquired to construct another 50 houses for the beneficiaries. These recipients comprise families residing in temporary shelters and those previously excluded from government assistance due to technical reasons. During the event, financial aid of Rs 5 lakh each will be provided to 40 shop owners who were not covered by government aid, thanks to the efforts of local MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Congress and UDF leaders, alongside other notable figures, are expected to participate in the ceremony, symbolizing a significant milestone in the region’s recovery and the restoration of its affected communities.
