Kalpetta: Construction of the model house for survivors of the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide at Elstone Estate is nearing completion and is expected to be finished by July 30, according to the Wayanad district administration. Interestingly, the house will be ready for the survivors on the day that marks the first anniversary of the tragedy.

The house, built by the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS), is in its final phase. Floor tiling, plumbing, and wiring are ongoing, while the kitchen, toilet, and sit-out works are pending. Painting will begin once the walls dry, though persistent rains have delayed this. If necessary, electric heating will be used to dry the walls for painting.

The model house is a single-storey structure covering 1,000 sq ft, with a foundation strong enough for two floors. The layout includes two bedrooms, a living room, a study, a kitchen, a store area, and toilets. Construction began on April 16, with an initial 70-day completion target. However, heavy rains in May disrupted the schedule. Workers are now operating in 24-hour shifts to meet the revised deadline.

This house is the first in a cluster of 99 units, forming part of a larger township plan of 450 houses across five zones on 64.67 hectares of land. Each family is allocated seven cents. The homes are designed to withstand future natural disasters.