The State government on Tuesday launched a massive drive to clear encroachments along Adyar river. Earthmoving equipment began razing down thatched huts and semi-permanent concrete walled houses below Maraimalai Adigal bridge across the river in Saidapet.
Families have been living in the huts along the river for decades. Whenever they are washed away during the flood, they come up within a few days.
Damage to property along the city waterways, especially Adyar, was enormous, officials said. Families who lost their homes would be immediately provided with alternate accommodation as a resettlement measure, officials said.
Meanwhile, an official press release said that the State government had started providing alternative homes at new flats constructed by Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board at Okkiyam Thoraipakkam and Perumbakkam. Chief Minister Jayalalithaa handed over the allotment orders to five of the beneficiaries on Tuesday.
The government had earlier announced that one lakh houses would be constructed — 50,000 for the flood affected and the rest for urban poor.
For the families who will be moving into these new flats of TNSCB, the government will be sanctioning Rs. 5,000 to help them shift their belongings to the new location and Rs. 30,000 a year, as livelihood assistance.
The government will provide food and drinking water for the first three days.
Families will be given ration cards immediately and arrangements will be made to enrol children in schools. Youth will be given vocational training to help them find jobs and adequate medical facilities will also be arranged, the release added.
