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The LIFE Mission housing project in Wadakkancherry, Kerala, faced delays and poor construction quality. NIT Kozhikode has recommended structural repairs and retrofitting to make the existing buildings usable. The Kerala government has submitted this report to the High Court, which will decide on the project's next steps. The outcome will determine whether construction can resume and the housing can be delivered to the 140 beneficiary families.
The LIFE Mission housing project in Wadakkancherry, Kerala, has encountered substantial setbacks, including halted construction and allegations of substandard workmanship. A recent report by NIT Kozhikode, submitted to the Kerala High Court, indicates that, despite these challenges, the existing structures can be rehabilitated with appropriate structural interventions. The report suggests that retrofitting measures could address the identified deficiencies, allowing the buildings to serve their intended purpose. Advertisement
The project, initiated in 2019 under the LIFE Mission scheme, aimed to provide housing for 140 beneficiary families. However, construction was halted in 2020 following the arrest of M. Sivasankar, then principal secretary to the chief minister, in connection with a gold smuggling case. Subsequent investigations revealed alleged violations, including FCRA irregularities, leading to a suspension of the project.
Despite being abandoned for several years, the structures have not deteriorated to the extent that demolition is necessary. The NIT Kozhikode report highlights issues such as "honeycombing" at beam-column junctions, mid-span sagging of beams, misalignment of columns, and irregular reinforcement in some columns. While these defects indicate poor workmanship, they are not deemed critical enough to warrant complete dismantling.
In response to a petition filed by Congress leader Anil Akkara, seeking the resumption of construction, the Kerala government submitted the NIT report along with an affidavit to the High Court. The affidavit, presented by N.P. Leena, additional secretary of the local self-government department, assured the court that the state would promptly examine the report and take further action in accordance with the court's directions.
The Kerala High Court has scheduled a hearing for October 6, 2025, to review the petition and determine the appropriate course of action. The outcome of this hearing will be pivotal in deciding the future of the LIFE Mission housing project in Wadakkancherry.
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