Angry over the pathetic condition of their houses, residents of Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board tenements in Pulianthope took to the streets on Monday morning. Residents raised slogans and demanded that the State government take up repair works immediately.
Residents assembled on Dr. Ambedkar College Road, Pulianthope and blocked traffic for a while. Vehicular flow during rush hour on Monday was brought to a grinding halt. It was only after policemen pacified them did they disperse. Later, angry residents living in the tenements told reporters that the plastering from the roof of many tenements was crumbling, exposing the iron beams.
They said a few thousand families were living in the tenements for more than 25 years and periodical maintenance works had never been carried out. “We are living under the perpetual fear of cement concrete plastering falling on us. We fear for the safety of our children,” said T.Velayudham. Elected representatives told residents that their fears and concerns would be conveyed to TNSCB administration and assured them of a positive development soon.
