Extending flood relief funds to build a house for Gopalan at Kootikal
It was decided that we use the extra amount remaining un-utilized from the fund collected for flood relief, by providing help to the needy affected by natural calamities . In the EC meeting held on 25th Nov 2021 decision was taken to rehabilitate one family affected by the landslide at Kootical and surrounding area under the Flood relief project .
The village officer of Kootical short-listed 3 deserving cases for consideration. EC evaluated all the cases in detail and narrowed down on one case of Gopalan, Panniyil House, Chatthanplapally which was found to be the most deserving one. We decided to build a new house for Gopalan, on the 5 cents of land which he owned at Chatthanplapally
Few of the EC members visited the place accompanied by Mr. Binu, the Thasildhar of Kanjirapally Thaluk and 2 Staff from Kootikal Village office for inspecting and evaluating Gopalan’s Case on 3rd December 2021
Gopalan’s family consisted of himself aged 70+, his wife Gouri aged 68, one daughter aged 47 having autism and bedridden and another daughter aged 41, also affected by autism. Gopalan had not been working for the past 2 to 3 years due to health issues. He was a rubber tapper and the earning for the 4 member family was the meagre pension from the Government.
The house that he was residing in presently was old and depilated and showed marks of deterioration. The plot where he had his dwelling was at Kootikal was about 30 meters lower than the road level. There was no proper approach to his plot/house from the road. The only way to reach his house was by walking on a narrow and steep uneven stone, totally unsafe for regular use. This place is more than 60° steep, and construction or commuting on such a slope meant real risk to life . Moreover he also had to transport his sick daughters to Hospital as and when the situation demanded.
He had another plot of 5 cents, at about 3km away from his present house at Mathumalai, Kootikal .The approach to this plot was better than the one where he was residing at present, and was more suitable for small vehicles to reach the plot if an approach road could be built from the main road .
We felt Gopalan’s case deserved merit, taking into consideration the health of his wife, the medical conditions of his daughters, the dangerous route , the depilated house, absence of any income and the essential requirement of rushing his family members to the hospital for medical emergencies.
EC deliberated on the same in the meeting held on 13.12.2021 and approved the project of building a new house of about 500 sq.ft. at Gopalan’s alternate plot at Mathumala. The Village officers of Kootikal shortlisted a contractor, Mr. Rajesh from the same area.
Though the estimated cost for constructing the house was about Rs. 7,50,000/-, and the balance amount under Flood Relief account was only Rs. 4,45,400/- we decided to start the project. It was decided that we raise the balance requirement of about Rs 3.5 Lakh for completing the project by appealing to the members of SEWA . After appealing to the SEWA members on 25.03.2022, we could raise another 2. 75 lakhs and we are now sshort of about Rs. 75000/- for completing this project.
Progress of work as of mid May 2022
Plan was approved by authorities. Agreement was signed between RECCA SEWA SOCIETY and Rajesh the contracto . Foundation stone was laid on 10th of Feb 2022 in the presence of SEWA members. The building had come up to the Lintel Level, when the appeal was raised for extra funds . As of now concreting for the roof has been completed. Plastering work in progress. Work is progressing as per schedule and the contractor will be able to complete the jobs as per schedule
as of 10th jun 2022