Are 600 Families Along the Adyar River Bank in Chennai Facing Eviction Next Week?
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Synopsis
In a significant step towards environmental restoration, the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department is set to evict over 600 families from the Adyar riverbank in Anakaputhur next week. This follows prolonged resistance and legal battles. The affected families will be relocated to designated housing units, marking a pivotal moment in the Adyar River Restoration Project.
Key Takeaways
- Over 600 families to be evicted from Adyar riverbank.
- Relocation to designated tenements by TNUHDB.
- Eviction follows prolonged resistance and legal battles.
- 75% of encroachments along the river have been cleared.
- Environmental restoration efforts are underway.
Chennai, May 17 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) is preparing to commence the eviction of more than 600 families who have been illegally residing along the Adyar riverbank in Anakaputhur, beginning next week. This action follows nearly a year after the initial eviction notices were issued.
Despite having constructed permanent buildings along the river's edge without the necessary approvals, the families resisted the eviction attempts for several months.
The process was further delayed due to legal disputes in the Madras High Court, which have now been resolved.
A senior WRD engineer has confirmed that after prolonged discussions with residents, the department is now ready to move forward with the eviction and resettlement plan.
The families affected by the eviction will be relocated to housing units built by the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUHDB).
The resettlement areas include Perumbakkam, Thailavaram near Perungalathur, and Keerappakkam, with 200 housing units designated for each site.
Encroachments in Anakaputhur include settlements in Thai Moogambigai Nagar, Quaid-e-Millath Nagar, Shanthi Colony, and MGR Nagar.
With this phase of eviction, WRD officials indicated that nearly 75% of encroachments along the Adyar river have now been addressed.
However, four significant settlements remain: Mallippoo Nagar in Adyar, Annai Sathya Nagar on Greenways Road, Saidapet, and parts of Anakaputhur.
Among these, Mallippoo Nagar is the largest, accommodating over 1,200 families, followed by Saidapet with more than 500 families.
The remaining two areas each house a few hundred residents. The Adyar River Restoration Project, under which these evictions are being executed, had originally identified 9,539 families for resettlement.
WRD officials noted that the availability of new housing units and recent agreements from residents have contributed to a more efficient rehabilitation process this time around.
"The rehabilitation initiative is vital for preventing environmental deterioration and ensuring safety," remarked the senior engineer.
As part of the broader restoration strategy, desilting has been completed along 18 km of the river, and critical sections in Chennai, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu have been secured with fencing.
Additional actions include establishing parks and plantations, enhancing bridge aesthetics, installing modular Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), and removing over 8,797 tonnes of solid waste, as per reports submitted to the National Green Tribunal.
Point of View
It's crucial to acknowledge the complexity of this situation. The eviction of over 600 families from the Adyar riverbank highlights the ongoing struggle between urban development and the necessity of environmental conservation. The approach taken by the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department reflects a commitment to restoring the river and safeguarding the community, but it also raises questions about the impact on displaced families. Moving forward, a balance between development and humanitarian concerns is essential.
NationPress
03/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are families being evicted from the Adyar riverbank?
Families are being evicted as they have settled illegally along the Adyar riverbank, and the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department aims to restore the river and prevent environmental degradation.
Where will the affected families be relocated?
The affected families will be relocated to tenements constructed by the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board in areas such as Perumbakkam, Thailavaram, and Keerappakkam.
What has caused delays in the eviction process?
Delays were caused by legal challenges in the Madras High Court and the need for negotiations with residents.
How many families have been affected by the eviction?
Over 600 families will be affected by the upcoming eviction along the Adyar riverbank.
What measures are being taken apart from evictions?
In addition to evictions, measures include desilting the river, creating parks, beautifying bridges, and installing sewage treatment plants.
