Wayanad, April 17 (NationPress) The ongoing delays in restoring damaged homes in the landslide-affected areas of Chooralmala have raised significant concerns in Wayanad. The district administration is now intervening to expedite these efforts as the monsoon approaches.

The catastrophic landslide in Wayanad, caused by relentless monsoon downpours on July 30, 2024, wreaked havoc in regions including Mundakkai and Chooralmala.

More than 200 lives were lost, with many individuals still unaccounted for, as enormous landslips buried residences, obliterated infrastructure, and displaced entire communities.

In response, the Kerala government has initiated rehabilitation efforts. However, troubling reports of cracks in the government-constructed homes in Chooralmala have emerged, leading to severe criticism and raising safety concerns among residents.

The District Collector has emphasized the necessity for stringent adherence to relief and rehabilitation protocols.

Presently, specialized repair work, such as cement grouting, is in progress to address structural fissures.

Nonetheless, inclement weather conditions and labor shortages are hindering the pace of progress.

After assessing the situation, the Collector cautioned that if repairs continue at the current rate, they may not be completed before the onset of heavy rains, leading to a high-level discussion involving officials from the Revenue, Geology, and Public Works Departments.

The delays have resulted in many affected families remaining in relief camps and temporary accommodations. “Days have passed since repairs commenced, yet the work is still unfinished. If the rains pick up, anxiety will resurface,” expressed local residents.

Simultaneously, survivors from the Mundakkai–Chooralmala disaster are urging for the completion and handover of the houses being constructed for them in the government settlement at Elston Estate by May 20.

In the first phase, 178 houses are under construction, but only 40 have been completed so far.

Although keys and land titles were distributed on March 1 with promises that occupancy would begin before Vishu (April 15), ongoing infrastructure work has delayed the relocation.

Survivors insist they will only move once all homes in this phase are fully finished.

Work on sewage treatment facilities and drinking water pipelines is still ongoing, with 10 plants planned across five zones. Finishing touches are being applied in several areas.

As the monsoon season nears, survivors have voiced their fears that any further delays will exacerbate their living situations.

Compounding their worries, the monthly financial aid of Rs 9,000 for 1,184 beneficiaries remains overdue, and food vouchers have yet to be distributed.