Huts on Adyar banks removed for Metro Rail viaduct

Almost all the hut dwellers have been given alternative accommodation at Okkiam-Thoraipakkam

CLEARING THE WAY: Huts on the banks of Adyar river in Saidapet being removed on Friday. Photo: M. Karunakaran

A total of 234 huts on the banks of the Adyar river at Athuma Nagar, near Saidapet bus stand, were removed on Friday to make way for a Metro Rail viaduct. Almost all the hut dwellers were given alternative accommodation at Okkiam-Thoraipakkam, said an official of the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board.

Those living in the remaining 40 huts would be relocated in the next phase depending on the requirement of space for the project, the official added.

Dhobis, vendors

As per an enumeration in 2008 for the project, most of the residents of the huts were daily wage labourers and vendors. Those living in the 40 huts are dhobis by profession. All the families have been residing in the area for at least five years.

According to Metro Rail officials, the area cleared is 1.5 acre. Allotment orders for alternative accommodation have been distributed to the families.

Power, water supply

Houses are being readied. Water supply connections to the houses in Okkiam-Thoraipakkam are being given and permanent power supply will commence shortly, a TNSCB official said.

“We are ready to give power and water supply connections to the houses in Okkiam-Thoraipakkam in advance. As the structures without occupants are being vandalised there, we provide power and water supply only after the residents relocate,” said the TNSCB official.