Thiruvananthapuram: In a major step towards rehabilitation of Wayanad disaster survivors, the Kerala government will hand over 178 newly built houses in the Kalpetta township in the first phase, with beneficiaries selecting their homes through a transparent lottery system, Minister O.R. Kelu announced.
Top priority will be given to families who lost everything in the disaster. The details of the draw of lots were discussed at an all-party meeting held in Kalpetta. The official inauguration date of the township and related arrangements will be finalised at a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister scheduled for tomorrow, the minister said. Minister O.R. Kelu and MLA T. Siddique have already visited the township to assess readiness.
Meanwhile, the government has also decided to continue financial assistance for victims of the Mundakkai–Chooralmala disaster in Wayanad. Livelihood support will be extended until affected families are able to return to their permanent homes.
Under the scheme, two members of each family receive ₹300 per day, amounting to ₹9,000 per month. The assistance will continue either until June or until house construction is completed and keys are handed over, whichever comes first.
So far, 1,185 individuals from 656 families have received monthly assistance of ₹9,000 each up to December. Families with bedridden patients are eligible for support for three members. Though livelihood assistance under the Disaster Management Act was initially limited to three months, it was extended until December following demands from the disaster-affected families, reaffirming the government’s commitment to their long-term rehabilitation.
