The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Coastal residents voice concern over Marina housing project

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Friday, Mar 09, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Coastal residents voice concern over Marina housing project

Sandhya Soman

Confusion over list of beneficiaries, relocation, time it will take "Once they demolish tenements, land will be taken over"

CHENNAI : Residents of areas along the Marina, from Nochikuppam near Light House to Srinivasapuram, are a worried lot as they are unsure how many of them would be allotted new tenements under the Emergency Tsunami Reconstruction Project.

This is despite officials publishing list of beneficiaries and inviting them to view models of the tenements.

"Where are they going to construct?" asks Patturasan of Nochikuppam. Apart from confusion about the locations, people are worried about how long it will take.

"It will take them at least two years to finish construction. How are we going to survive the rain and storm in temporary shelters?" asks Ravi from Srinivasapuram. "And, where are the temporary shelters going to come up?" he wants to know.

In Srinivasapuram the list of beneficiaries is not yet ready. The Chennai Collectorate is verifying the list of those who received tenements in early 1970s as well those who received aid post-tsunami.

Residents here fear losing out on their homes. A large chunk of the population here is from non-fishing communities.

"We are worried that once they demolish the tenements, the land will be taken over. Otherwise, why do we have to move?" ask Sudhakaran and Tamilvannan from Srinivasapuram.

Activists point out the loss of livelihood and increase in school dropout rates among those relocated to Semmencheri in the outskirts, but authorities maintain the confusion will pass.

New tenements

The new tenements would be built where the old, dilapidated ones are standing, says managing director, Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board, D. Vivekanandan.

And priority will be given to fisherfolk.

"Nearly 5,000 temporary shelters will be constructed after demolishing the old tenements. None of the huts will be touched unless they come in the way of construction," he says.

Mr. Vivekanandan reiterates that the area, close to 600 grounds, would be able to accommodate only 7,320 tenements.

The rest of the families will be relocated to Okkiayam Toraipakkam.

"We have to build according to the CMDA regulations and provide for open spaces. There will also be a public health centre, a primary school, balwadi centres, ration shops and parks."

The Board, meanwhile, will put up pictorial representations of the proposed tenements at public places.

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