The Hindu : Front Page : Squatters on road as huts are razed

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Sunday, Nov 15, 2009
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Squatters on road as huts are razed

R. Sujatha

Relocation scheme only for those who had settled before June 2006: Board

— Photo: S. Thanthoni

NOWHERE TO GO: Encroachments along the Cooum were removed on Saturday by the Public Works Department.

CHENNAI: About 40 squatters and their families on Spurtank Road at Chetpet here occupied the road on Saturday after their makeshift shacks along the Cooum river were razed.

The squatters said they had built their huts along the riverbank and were residing there for over five years. Many claimed they had voter identity cards and ration cards. Authorities had promised to relocate them. However, on Saturday morning the earthmover equipment flattened their homes. By evening, incessant rain left them and their belongings wet and roofless.

“We were told to take our belongings and find a place for ourselves,” said Pencilamma, whose four-member family weaves cane baskets. “We came from Andhra Pradesh and have been living here for more than five years,” she said.

Ramachandran, a driver, said the authorities had given some of them Rs.1,000 to enable them relocate.

Loganayagi, another squatter, wanted to know how they were expected to find another accommodation at such short notice.

According to T.K. Ramachandran, Managing Director of the Slum Clearance Board, the squatters were being relocated under two schemes. Those who had opted to go to Okkiyam Thoraipakkam were provided houses and the others given cash to relocate. The schemes were offered to squatters who had settled on the riverbank before June 2006 and did not include those who had arrived a few months ago.

“We think many of them might have come hoping to be rehabilitated. There are owners who have built huts on the government land and rented them out. The scheme covers the tenant and not the owner,” Mr. Ramachandran said.

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