Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has commended the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) for their significant contributions in the aftermath of the devastating landslides in Wayanad. During a disaster response briefing, the Chief Minister acknowledged the cooperative’s quick and effective mobilization, which was crucial in facilitating rescue operations. He particularly highlighted their role in constructing a helipad and Bailey bridge, as well as their efforts in providing food for the Army, police, and other rescue volunteers actively engaged in the operation.
As soon as news of the landslide broke, a dedicated team from the ULCCS Wayanad Project, including laborers, surveyors, and engineers, was dispatched to the site. Despite challenging conditions, they brought in earth movers, terrain vehicles, and other essential equipment from nearby locations. The team worked relentlessly to clear debris, excavate the muddy terrain, and prepare the ground for the construction of a helipad, which was critical for airlifting supplies and personnel to and from the affected area.
Read also: ULCSS Deploys Earth-Moving Equipments To Support Rescue Operations In Wayanad
In addition to these efforts, ULCCS played a key role in assisting the Indian Army’s Madras Sappers in the erection of a Bailey bridge. This temporary bridge was vital for restoring connectivity and ensuring the continued flow of aid and resources into the region. The ULCCS team meticulously set the groundwork for the bridge by lifting sections of girders and frames, ensuring the structure’s stability and safety.
Machineries and Operators @ULCCSLtd lifted each section of girders and frames for the Bailey Bridge erected by Indian Army at Wayanad
100 Years ago, "first project" of ULCCS was Resilience to Flood of 1924 by undertaking Post Disaster Rebuild Task in 1925 pic.twitter.com/kNIcasWJNl
— Labour Capital (@CapitalLabour) August 2, 2024
Beyond their engineering contributions, ULCCS also stepped up to meet the immediate needs of the rescue teams on the ground. The cooperative’s mess facility at the Wayanad site was quickly expanded, with additional cooking staff brought in to prepare meals for the Army, police, and other rescuers. This logistical support was essential in sustaining the energy and morale of those working tirelessly to save lives and provide relief to the affected communities.
ULCCS, founded a century ago in response to the Great Flood of 1924, has a long history of resilience and community service. Originally established to undertake post-disaster rebuilding tasks, the cooperative has evolved into Asia’s largest labor cooperative, with a turnover of 6,000 crore INR and a workforce of 16,000 employees. Ranked as the world’s second-leading infrastructure developer cooperative by the World Cooperative Monitor, ULCCS’s expertise and dedication were once again on full display during the Wayanad landslide rescue operations.
