The large community which resides at VIsakshi Thottam, a colony of residential blocks promoted by what used to be the state-run Slum Clearance Board, seems to be a divided lot on the current issue that confronts them – the nature of plans for re-development that the state has for them.
The anxiety, frustration and some anger was expressed the past week when state officials arrived at this campus loacted off Warren Road, Mylapore to start enumeration of the residents here.
There are said to be close to 500 families who reside here inblocks built about 32 years ago. These include people who reside in make-shift tenements.
One section says that redevelopment is welcome but the blocks must not be above 5 storeys because hey fear access by lifts can be frustrating in emergencies and power failure.
One section wants the state body, TN Urban Habitat Development Board, to repair the worn -out apartments and leave them alone.
Others want the Board to outline the plans and stick to them since there has been considerable delay in similar projects in Mylapore zone. They say they cannot afford paying stiff rentals beyond a point.
Some others want the Board to allot flats to their eldest child in addition to one for themselves.
Behind the murmurs and protests there seems to be some play of local party politics, going by conversations with residents here.
In many apartments, layers of walls or the roof have collapsed and in some fkats, cracks in the balcony or walls poses great danger, especially when the rains are long and heavy.
- Photo is from the files – of the old flats in Kuyil Thottam in San Thome which were demolished to build new ones.
