Recently, the State government approved the construction of 50,000 tenements across Tamil Nadu by the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board (TNSCB) and sanctioned a sum of ₹1,800 crore for the project.
As per the proposal, 45,000 of the houses will be constructed in situ i.e., in the same locality, and 5,000 will be tenements.
While welcoming this move, activists point to the other side of the picture. In the last five years, the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board has constructed around 59,023 in situ houses and tenements in the State, but many of them lack several basic social amenities and infrastructure. This issue needs to be addressed on a priority basis, activists say.
“In areas like Perumbakkam, there are no protective measures for people to fall back on or demand their rights. This has to be addressed even as the new tenements are being built,” says Vanessa Peter, policy researcher, Information and Resource Centre for the Deprived Urban Communities (IRCDUC).
Continuous struggle
Similarly, while many residents who have been shifted in recent times have appreciated the State for giving them houses, they are struggling with the loss of employment, education, inadequate transport and low-quality infrastructure. Residents also complain about inadequate healthcare facilities. They say they have to travel long distances to seek medical aid during emergencies.
As per the National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy 2007, all State governments must prepare a State Urban Housing and Habitat Policy, wherein proper measures should be taken to address the issues of resettlement colonies. Experts note that the State has not drafted any such policy yet. A document by IRCDUC notes that the Tamil Nadu Slum Areas (Improvement and Clearance) Act, 1971 does not have any specific provisions related to land, security of tenure, housing, resettlement and rehabilitation, community participation, or standards for ensuring adequate and affordable houses that are relevant for the poor in the urban areas.
Innovative model
Sujata Mody, president of the Pengal Thozhilalar Sangam, welcomes the approval of the new tenements but adds that eviction and relocation must not be the only solution and that the State must devise an innovative model to redevelop slums areas with the involvement of slum dwellers. “Changes need to be made to recognise the unrecognised slums in the State, as most residents lose their livelihood and are forced into abject poverty once sent far away,” she says.
Officials from the Housing and Urban Development Department were unavailable for comment.
