Chennai: “We are here for a long period. Why is the government not issuing pattas to us and why don’t you (corporation) construct the drain in the middle of the road or construct a fully covered storm water drain,” is the echoed sentiment of the public residing along major water canals in Chennai for more than five years.
A recent survey by Greater Chennai Corporation through a consultant on creating a sub project for Chennai flood mitigation, also revealed that it would cost at least more than Rs 25 crore to provide relief and rehabilitation for a minimum of 500 families who have settled close to the canals.
According to Corporation sources, a social impact survey was conducted among encroachers living along city waterways in extended areas as part of the flood mitigation project. The survey covered low-lying areas of Ambattur, Padikuppam, Nolambur, Valasaravakkam, Ramapuram, Porur, Mugalivakkam and Manapakkam. It revealed several new facts to city administrators.
A copy of the consultant report submitted to Chennai corporation and state government departments also said the public were disturbed by frequent visits of corporation officials last year as they often discussed about constructing new storm water drains after removing their illegal concrete shelters.
Of the 330 families surveyed about 25 per cent were headed by women. The census survey also revealed that the displaced families are mostly residents at the site for several years and belong to poor and marginal sections of Chennai with about 31 per cent belonging to Scheduled Castes. The average monthly income is about '7800 and most of them do not have piped drinking water supply.
But, close to 50 per cent had two-wheelers and about 60 per cent had electrical appliances like TV, refrigerator, washing machine and laptop. The housing condition was decent and half of households are permanent structures and most of them have basic facilities.
