Kalpetta: In a significant step toward rehabilitating victims of the 2022 Punchirimattam landslide disaster, the Mananthavady diocese, in partnership with the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council and other supporting agencies, has inaugurated and handed over the first of 50 houses being constructed for affected families in Wayanad.
The first beneficiary, Regina Chittilappally, tragically lost her family, home, and land in the disaster. The diocese purchased a 10-cent plot in Thomattuchal to construct her house, spending Rs. 17.5 lakh on construction and an additional Rs. 13.5 lakh for land acquisition and related expenses. Funding for the project included Rs. 15 lakh from the CMI Congregation of Christ University, Bengaluru, Rs. 10 lakh from the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council, and the remaining amount was arranged by the diocese.
The newly constructed 900-square-foot home features two bedrooms, modern amenities, a borewell, and a perimeter wall. The Wayanad Social Service Society (WSSS), the social development arm of the diocese, along with the Diocesan Rehabilitation Committee, oversaw the construction, ensuring quality and timely completion.
Bishop Mar Jose Porunnedam of the Mananthavady Diocese officially blessed the house, while Dr. Jose CMI, Vice Chancellor of Christ Nagar University, Bengaluru, performed the ceremonial key handover. The event also saw addresses by Fr. Jacob Mavungal, Executive Director of the Kerala Social Service Forum; Fr. Jinoj Palathadathil, WSSS Executive Director; along with Fr. Sunny Mathathil and Fr. Vincent Kalapura. Regina Chittilappally expressed her gratitude through a vote of thanks.
Construction of the remaining houses is ongoing in Vazhavatta, Dwaraka, Puthiyidam, and Karapuzha, with the diocese targeting completion and handover of all homes by May 2026. The project stands as a symbol of hope and recovery for families displaced by the catastrophic landslide, reflecting the combined efforts of the Church, social organizations, and the wider community.