Thiruvananthapuram Revenue Minister, Kerala, K. Rajan, on Monday, said media reports of alleged cracks in houses built under the Wayanad Town Landslide Victim Rehabilitation Project were misleading and based on misunderstanding of quality testing procedures.
The minister told a press conference here that he personally visited the site to verify the reports and found that what was depicted as “cracks” were actually pencil marks made by engineers during the inspection.
He explained that water pool tests were planned in advance as part of construction quality checks.
“In two houses, slight moisture was detected during a 24-hour water retention test conducted on the terraces. Engineers marked those spots, which were later misinterpreted as cracks in the photographs circulated by the media,” Rajan claimed.
He said that the aim of the test is to ensure that the homes can withstand all weather conditions.
He explained that if any leakage is detected, epoxy treatment is performed, followed by repeated tests and waterproofing procedures, including multiple layers and additional concrete work.
He also responded to criticism over his climbing on a building during the recent inspection, saying he would go to any extent necessary to protect the dignity of his country.
Rajan urged people to refrain from launching online attacks against individuals, including a disaster survivor whose remarks sparked part of the controversy, and said such voices should be viewed with sympathy.
Regarding the criticism that targeted him personally due to his inspection of the town’s homes, the minister said that he is proud of the title of “daily wage worker,” stressing that he understands the struggles of the workers.
The minister also said that the houses are being built under strict technical supervision, with multiple layers of inspection involving the implementing agency and independent bodies.
He added that a joint inspection will be conducted before the homes are delivered to the beneficiaries, followed by a five-year warranty to address any problems.
He added that although it has been 21 months since the landslide disaster in Mundakai-Shoralmala areas of Wayanad, the financial assistance for rent, daily allowances and food support has not stopped.
The Minister also assured that safe housing will be ensured for all affected families as soon as possible.
This article was generated from an automated news feed without any modifications to the text.
