Indian Bureaucracy, Thiruvananthapuram, January 15, 2025| The State Government of Kerala today appointed Shri Suhas S IAS (Kerala 2012), the Managing Director of the Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala, as the Special Officer for the Wayanad Township Project.
The ambitious Wayanad Township Project, by the Kerala government, aims to rehabilitate families affected by the devastating landslides on July 30, 2024 in the Mundakkai and Chooralmala regions of Wayanad district. Resulting in significant loss of life and property, with reports indicating that at least 108 people lost their lives, and many more were injured or missing, in areas including Punjirimattom, Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Vellarimala villages in Meppadi panchayat, Vythiri taluk. The disaster caused widespread destruction, burying homes and infrastructure under debris, and led to the destruction of approximately 1,555 houses, with property losses estimated at ₹281 crores. The landslides also resulted in widespread infrastructure damage, including the destruction of roads and bridges, which isolated several villages and hampered rescue efforts. In response to the disaster, the Kerala government has initiated a ₹750 crore rehabilitation project, aiming to construct 1,000 single-story houses, each encompassing 1,000 square feet, ensuring safe housing for those displaced.
Recently, the Kerala High Court granted permission for the acquisition of land from two tea estates necessary for the project’s development, marking a significant advancement in the rehabilitation process. This approval allows the state government to proceed with land surveys and prepare a comprehensive project report aimed at expediting the construction of the township.
The township will be situated on approximately 107.46 hectares of land acquired from the Nedumbala Estate in Kottapadi village and Elstone Estate in Kalpetta village. The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) will oversee the project, managing its planning and execution. In addition to housing, the project is designed to include essential community facilities, such as schools, health centers, and agricultural spaces, aimed at fostering sustainable livelihoods for the resettled families.
Efforts to solicit contributions from sponsors are also underway, providing an opportunity for external assistance in completing homes and developing key township facilities. With these initiatives, the government hopes to create a supportive environment for families as they rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the landslides.
Shri Suhas S will chiefly collaborate with KIIFCON, and other stakeholders like the Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society Ltd (ULCCS), the District Collector, and the District Disaster Management Authority to ensure coordination and timely completion of the mega rehabilitation project.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Suhas S the very best.