Wayanad: Cong launches 100 homes for survivors

Kozhikode: Opposition leader in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi laid the foundation stone for homes Congress will build for the survivors of Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide. The project at Kunnambetta in Meppadi panchayat will see construction of 100 houses, each measuring 1,100 sq ft on eight cents.Addressing the gathering, Rahul said the people of Wayanad showed unmatched courage in the face of disaster. "You lost and lost, but you never lost your spirit. You never lost your courage and more importantly, you never lost the compassion for others," he said.He added that launching the housing project sends a message to survivors that the party will stand with them throughout recovery and healing. "For us, it is not a one-day event that happened. Because you are our family, we are going to stand with you whenever you need us," he said.Speaking at the event, Priyanka said she will stay with the disaster-affected people until they rebuild their lives fully. She said the tragedy's scenes can never be forgotten."What I saw that day will never leave me. You lost everything – your homes, your families, sops, businesses, everything. But what struck me most was your courage, your pride, the way every single person here did whatever they could to help you. And the way you stood together, helping each other irrespective of religion and different sections you belonged to. You gave each other courage and love when you needed it most," she said.On the delay in starting project work, Priyanka said she was pained the process took so long. She added that the delay was due to required clearances and land issues. The party purchased 3.25 acres and is now in the process of buying another 2.18 acres. Negotiations are ongoing to acquire an additional five acres, she said.Priyanka handed over Rs 5 lakh to 40 traders, who had lost their shops in the disaster. KPCC chief Sunny Joseph presided over the event. AICC general secretaries KC Venugopal and Deepa Dasmushi, IUML general secretary P K Kunhalikutty, and several other party leaders also spoke at the function.