Survivors hope to begin life anew in new surroundings

Kalpetta: For Chooralmala native Jayesh K, the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the proposed township at Elstone Estate on Thursday feels like a second chapter in his life. "In a way, it is the foundation stone laying of my own home. Last year, the landslide took away not just my home but washed away an entire village," he said.
Like Jayesh, scores of survivors from Chooralmala and Mundakkai gathered at the event, walking around the site, gazing at the rolling hills and plantations that would soon become their home. Many stood around the floor plan of 1,000 sq ft model houses drawn on the ground near the inauguration venue, envisioning a fresh start.
Eight months after the disaster destroyed their lives and took away their loved ones, the survivors hope to begin life anew though the scars of the disaster remain deeply etched in their memory while livelihood remains a significant challenge.
Some have started moving on with their lives like Punchirimattom native Abhijith K who lost eight family members, including his parents, sister, brother and grandmother. He and his three friends started a textile shop named ‘Vintage standards' at Meppadi recently. "Life will never be the same and we will never get back what we lost. We have to move on," said Abhijith who lives at a rented home with his relatives.
While the prospect of a new township brings hope, some survivors initially feared it might be overcrowded. However, many said the first visit to the site and a video presentation of the proposed layout, showed ample open spaces and public amenities.
But Jayesh said that livelihood options in the new area are still an issue, especially for plantation workers like him. He said that Harrison Malayalam estate, where he works, is located 25km away from the township, making daily travel unviable.
"We have to report for duty at 7am and bear transportation expenses, which would amount to Rs 100 a day. Our daily wage is just around Rs 400. We hope the govt will ensure suitable alternative livelihood options near our township," he said.
Suryaprabha, a resident of Punchirimattom who lives in a rented home at Meppadi, said she was happy that township works had begun. "When disaster struck, I ran into a resort near Vanarani Estate and was stranded there for two days. Authorities rescued us on the third day. Apart from providing a roof over our heads, the township will give us a sense of belonging," she said.