Rights panel registers case over unsafe, leaking homes for Puthumala landslide survivors

Kalpetta: The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has registered a suo motu case against the Wayanad district administration over complaints that houses built for Puthumala landslide survivors are leaking and unsafe.

The action came on Friday, marking the anniversary of the 2019 disaster that killed 17 people. The commission acted on media reports highlighting the plight of residents in "Harsham" (Happiness), a township built for 49 families affected by the landslide. Onmanorama had reported on the leaky state-built homes in Harsham as part of our Wayanad, Year On series.

Despite being constructed as part of the rehabilitation package, most houses suffer from severe water leakage and safety hazards, making them unfit for living. Many residents have resorted to covering their homes with plastic sheets to prevent rainwater from seeping in. In some cases, occupants live in fear of electrocution due to short circuits caused by water entering electrical systems. One house was vacated entirely due to concerns about electric shock.

SHRC judicial member K Baijunath has issued a notice to District Collector D R Meghasree, asking for a detailed report within three weeks. Survivors claim they have repeatedly brought the issue to the attention of district officials, but no effective action has been taken. Locals allege the houses were constructed unscientifically, with poor quality work leading to structural flaws.

All 50 concrete homes built under the compensation scheme have reportedly suffered from leakage for several years. The 2019 Puthumala landslide claimed 17 lives, with five bodies never recovered. Puthumala, a hamlet near Mundakkai, also witnessed another landslide in 2024.