300 houses for Wayanad landslide victims to be handed over in Feb: CM Vijayan
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Thursday that the state government aims to complete about 300 houses with related facilities and hand them over in February as the first phase of rehabilitation for Wayanad landslide disaster victims.
"The target is to complete around 300 houses along with associated facilities and hand them over to beneficiaries as the first phase in February," the CM said while addressing a press conference here.
He said the houses are part of a large township being constructed on the Elston Estate land near the Kalpetta bypass for families affected by the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslides in Wayanad.
The project is progressing at a rapid pace, with a strong focus on safety, quality and long-term sustainability, Vijayan said.
He said the township will consist of 410 houses and all essential facilities required for a dignified life.
ALSO READ: Congress and NCP (SP) to contest separately in Nagpur civic polls
"This is not just about providing a roof over people's heads. It is about rebuilding lives that were shattered by the disaster," he said.
According to him, the township will include an underground electricity network, drinking water supply with a large-capacity tank, internal roads, a public health centre, anganwadi, community hall, market, playgrounds and waste management facilities.
Each house will also have a solar power plant and its own drinking water storage tank.
He said construction work is being carried out with strict quality control measures. Materials such as cement, sand and steel are being tested in on-site laboratories and also verified by independent third-party agencies.
"We are ensuring quality at every stage. Work moves forward only after inspections," he said, adding that contractors will provide five years of protection against construction defects.
Around 1,600 workers are engaged in the project, working round the clock. Several key works, including roofing of many houses, road formation and drinking water tank construction, have already been completed, the chief minister said.
Referring to the government's approach to disaster rehabilitation, Vijayan said the project follows the "Build Back Better" principle.
"Our responsibility is to ensure that every disaster-affected family gets a safer and better living space than before," he said.
Vijayan said that the LIFE Mission and similar housing initiatives reflect the state's commitment to treating housing as a basic right.
"A total of 476,076 houses have been completed and handed over through the LIFE Mission. That many families have moved into secure homes. This February, the number will reach five lakh. Construction of 124,471 houses is currently at various stages," he added.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
