Kerala has taken a significant step towards healing and rebuilding the lives of those affected by the devastating landslides in Wayanad. In a compassionate and forward-looking move, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan laid the foundation stone for a state-sponsored township project in Elstone Estate, Kalpetta, aimed at rehabilitating 402 families who lost their homes and livelihoods in the calamity.
The landslides that struck Wayanad left a deep scar, not only on the landscape but also in the hearts of hundreds of displaced families. These survivors, many of whom were forced to take shelter in temporary camps and unsafe dwellings, will now have access to secure and sustainable homes as part of this township initiative. The project goes beyond merely providing housing—it envisions a full-fledged community equipped with schools, playgrounds, libraries, and essential amenities that foster a dignified and holistic living environment.
During the inaugural ceremony, the Chief Minister highlighted the unity and resilience displayed by the people of Kerala during the crisis. He acknowledged the state's financial limitations, especially in the face of a natural disaster of this magnitude, but praised the collective effort and humanitarian spirit of the people who contributed to making the rehabilitation project a reality. “When the government faces limits, it’s the unity and heart of the people that becomes its greatest strength,” he said.
The Chief Minister also expressed his disappointment with the central government, stating that despite Kerala requesting ₹2,221 crore in aid and appealing to declare the disaster a national calamity, there was no substantial support or acknowledgment from Delhi. However, Kerala found help from other quarters. The Karnataka government stepped forward with a ₹20 crore contribution to build 100 homes for the affected families. Additionally, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) carried out a unique fundraising campaign by collecting and selling scrap materials, raising enough to sponsor another 100 homes.
Support also poured in from student organizations. The National Service Scheme (NSS) contributed a commendable ₹10 crore to the project. In a deeply touching gesture, Revenue Minister K Rajan announced that the state would take full responsibility for the education of 21 students who lost their families in the landslides. These steps reflect not just administrative commitment but also the emotional investment in ensuring that survivors, especially children, can dream again.
The township is designed to provide far more than shelter. It represents a vision of long-term rehabilitation, integrating affected families into a safe, inclusive, and well-equipped environment where they can rebuild their lives from the ground up. This project is not just about restoring what was lost but about creating new hope.
As construction begins, the Wayanad township stands as a symbol of Kerala’s compassion and resilience. It is a promise that no citizen will be left behind in times of crisis, and that even in the wake of destruction, the state will rise—stronger, united, and determined to protect the dignity of its people.