Published Apr 18, 2026 | 7:23 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 18, 2026 | 7:23 PM
Revenue Minister K Rajan taking a close look at the alleged crack on the ceiling.
Synopsis: KT Naufal, originally a resident of Punchirimattam, who had lost 16 family members in the 30 July 2024 landslides, flagged a crack-like formation on the terrace of his allotted house in Cluster A, Zone 1.
A controversy has erupted at the rehabilitation township built for survivors of the Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, after a beneficiary reported structural concerns in one of the newly-constructed houses.
KT Naufal, originally a resident of Punchirimattam, who had lost 16 family members in the 30 July 2024 landslides, flagged a crack-like formation on the terrace of his allotted house in Cluster A, Zone 1.
The mark is also visible on the dining hall ceiling, raising fears of leakage ahead of the monsoon.
He also pointed out damage to a bedroom door.
Currently living in temporary accommodation at Rippon 52 in Meppadi and earning a livelihood as an autorickshaw driver, Naufal said the issue has added to his distress after already losing his home in the landslide.
Upon being informed, officials of Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS), the agency executing the project, inspected the site. ULCCS representatives attributed the issue to concrete shrinkage caused by extreme heat, asserting there is no structural risk.
They said epoxy pressure grouting has been carried out, and additional waterproofing, along with a protective concrete layer, will follow.
Investigations, including water-ponding tests, are being conducted with support from KIIFCON.
Amid growing concerns, Revenue Minister K Rajan visited the township on Saturday, 18 April, and dismissed reports of structural cracks.
He maintained that only minor dampness was observed and clarified that no houses have been formally handed over to the landslide survivors. He said the buildings will undergo 58 stages of quality checks, including repeated waterproofing and 24-hour water-retention tests.
The township project, inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on 1 March, has already seen 178 families receive homes in its first phase at Elton Estate in Kalpetta. Authorities reiterated that any defects identified before or after occupancy will be rectified, assuring continued support to the disaster-affected families.
At the same time, Noufal later told the media that the minister avoided the space where the crack developed. He also added that he had been receiving threats ever since he had flagged the issue.
