Six years later, Puthumala rehab project still a story of abandonment

Progress remains minimal beyond the construction of 49 houses, each measuring 560 sq ft

- LAKSHMI ATHIRA @Meppadi

ON the sixth anniversary of the Puthumala landslide, the rehabilitation project launched in its aftermath remains a stark reminder of the government apathy. As the Chooralmala-Mundakkai rehabilitation effort begins to take shape, it is imperative that glaring shortcomings of the Puthumala rehabilitation project not be repeated.

Despite initial promises of a comprehensive township, the Puthumala project has stalled woefully. Six years after the 2019 disaster, progress remains minimal beyond the construction of 49 houses, each measuring 560 sq ft. Critical infrastructure—including anganwadi, recreational centres, playgrounds and other essential amenities—has yet to materialise.