Businessman offers 2 acres, lottery seller travels 15 km to serve food for displaced families in Idukki landslip

When a massive landslip struck the Laksham Veedu Colony near Adimaly on October 25, destroying homes and claiming a life, Jose K J Keerikkattil knew he had to act. Moved by the plight of 28 families who lost their homes or were forced to relocate, the Adimaly-based businessman stepped forward to offer two acres of his land to the government free of charge for their rehabilitation.

The landslip occurred on an under-construction stretch of the Kochi–Dhanushkodi National Highway (NH-85). A huge mass of soil slid down onto the colony, completely destroying eight houses and leaving several others uninhabitable.

“The colony is only a few kilometres from my house, and I personally know many of the affected families. Some of them have even worked with me in my businesses over the years. How can I stay away when my neighbours are suffering?” Jose told Onmanorama.

Jose, who runs spice showrooms and farms cash crops, said the land he offered is worth around ₹1 crore. He bought it a decade ago with plans for a plantation or possible tourism projects. “One acre has a title deed, while the other doesn’t, but those issues can be resolved through proper documentation,” he said. The land, located about 3 km from the colony and 100 metres from the main road, currently has cocoa, pepper, and coffee cultivation.

“I do business to live, but they now need a place to live. My children are settled abroad, and it’s just my wife and I here. This isn’t charity—it’s simply helping my neighbours,” Jose added.

Jose is also the secretary of the Lions Club in Idukki, which has pledged ₹30 lakh to support house construction—₹3 lakh each for ten affected families. “We will begin the procedures soon after discussions with government officials,” he said. However, he noted that official clearance is still needed to confirm that his land is suitable for housing, as several areas in the Western Ghats fall under ecologically sensitive ‘red zones.’ “There’s already an unused house and other buildings nearby, so I hope it won’t be an issue,” he said.

At present, 20 families from the affected colony are staying at the Government High School in Adimaly, while eight others have been shifted to nearby KSEB quarters.

The lottery seller with tea, snacks and love
Amid the tragedy, a humble lottery seller, a middle-aged man from Thokkupara, around 10 km away, has become a symbol of compassion for the displaced families. R K Raveendran arrived at the school camp, offering to sponsor meals for everyone.

“When we told him food was already arranged, he returned with snacks and tea instead,” said T S Sidhik, a member of the Adimaly panchayat. “He came on Friday, again on Saturday, and promised to return. None of us had seen him before.”

“He is not well-off, just a lottery seller, but such a kind-hearted man,” Sidhik added. “He didn’t know us, but he came, shared food, and left quietly,” said Laila, one of the survivors now staying at the camp.