Makkal Needhi Maiam founder-president Kamal Haasan visited the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board (TNSCB) tenements in Ezhil Nagar, Perumbakkam, on Friday to understand the problems of the residents.
Over 10,000 slum dwellers, who were resettled from different parts of Chennai, are housed in the Perumbakkam tenements. Residents there have been complaining about the lack of infrastructure and transport. On Friday, Mr. Haasan spent over 15 minutes listening to the grievances of the residents. “The officials promised us all facilities when we were shifted here. However, there are no proper street lights and due to this it has become impossible for women and children to go out at night,” said a woman resident.
Another resident said that there was no proper bus connectivity. “We have to spend ₹40 every day for share autorickshaws to reach the bus stop. Besides, our work places are located far away from the tenements.Many of us are not able to travel for work. Our children also find it difficult to go to school,” said another resident.They also complained about the lack of drinking water, insufficient public health centres and other issues. After listening to their woes, Mr. Haasan said that he would forward their petitions to the respective departments. “If no action is taken we will decide upon the further course of action,” he said.
