The Wayanad Model Township’s first phase, aimed at rehabilitating survivors of the Mundakkai–Chooralmala disaster, has been finished, with 178 houses ready for handover. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is set to inaugurate the township and distribute title deeds to beneficiaries at Elstone Estate in Kalpetta on February 25. This comprehensive rehabilitation project involves coordinated efforts from various government departments, agencies, and workers.
The Mundakkai–Chooralmala tragedy occurred on July 30, 2024, due to landslides and flash floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains in Wayanad. The disaster affected four villages, causing injuries to hundreds, claiming over 200 lives, and leaving 32 individuals still missing. Entire habitations were destroyed, families displaced, and many left without shelter, leading to one of Kerala’s largest rehabilitation initiatives.
The state government’s plan includes constructing a total of 410 houses along with necessary infrastructure. In the initial phase, 178 houses have been completed and will be allocated to families who lost their homes in the disaster. Each 1,000 sq ft single-storey house is designed to match Wayanad’s terrain and climate, with a sturdy foundation for potential future expansion.
Once fully operational, the township is expected to accommodate more than 1,662 people, offering not just housing but a complete residential ecosystem. Planned facilities comprise internal roads, a health center, an anganwadi, a public market, and community centers. The health center will provide various medical services, while the public market will feature shops, stalls, and play areas.
For this project, the government acquired 64.4705 hectares of land at Elstone Estate in Kalpetta village to establish a secure settlement for survivors. The foundation stone was laid by the Chief Minister on March 27, 2025, and the remaining construction work is progressing rapidly.
