Kalpetta: The Indian Union Muslim League’s (IUML) housing project for the 2024 Wayanad landslide survivors has hit a roadblock after the Meppadi panchayat secretary issued a show-cause notice and ordered a halt to house construction.

IUML had purchased 5.5 acres in Meppadi panchayat to build 68 houses for the affected families. While land development at the site had received clearance from the district planning department, the process of issuing building permits was stopped over a procedural lapse.

Panchayat secretary K Shyju told Onmanorama that the project organisers had first secured a building permit, but later it was found that multiple self-certified online permits had been generated for the same plot. Under the rules, such permits—instantly available online—are allowed only for a single house up to 300 sq. m. If multiple units are planned, each application must be submitted in person at the panchayat office.

“We have directed the organisers to file separate applications for each house and obtain permits individually,” Shyju said. He clarified that only the building permit process has been stalled, and land development can continue.

IUML sources also confirmed that the ongoing land development works will not be affected, but house construction can begin only after the required permits are issued for each unit.