Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUHDB) tenements across Chennai has uncovered stark revelations about the deteriorating living conditions of thousands of families. Conducted by Arappor Iyakkam, a citizen-led organisation, the study surveyed several low-income communities in Perumbakkam, Semmenchery, Kannagi Nagar, and other areas, revealing deep-rooted issues that have left residents struggling for basic essentials.
The findings paint a grim picture, with residents facing not only poor construction quality but also a chronic lack of essential amenities. Homes in areas like Perumbakkam and Kannagi Nagar suffer from severe water shortages, with water being supplied just once every three days in some localities. Compounding these issues are frequent power cuts, erratic sewage systems, unsafe wiring, and dysfunctional lifts, all of which heighten the daily challenges faced by these families. Despite being promised sustainable, affordable housing, these communities are grappling with social issues as well. Drug abuse is alarmingly prevalent, particularly among the youth in Kannagi Nagar and Semmenchery, exacerbated by a lack of security measures such as CCTV cameras. The absence of adequate child-care facilities like Anganwadi centres further contributes to the community’s struggle to provide for their children. Moreover, the relocation of families to far-flung areas has caused a significant increase in commuting costs and time. While the government provides free bus services for women, the limited routes and insufficient frequency have rendered these services ineffective for many. This shift has effectively isolated residents from their original communities and livelihoods, compounding the stress on their families.
The crux of the issue lies in poor governance and corruption. Volunteers conducting the study have highlighted substandard materials used in construction, with pipes and plaster often breaking down within years of installation. This not only increases the long-term cost of maintenance but also raises questions about transparency in the procurement process. With no efficient grievance redressal system in place, the lack of timely responses from officials leaves residents feeling abandoned. The absence of adequate staff within the TNUHDB only exacerbates the crisis, rendering any efforts to address these concerns ineffective. Sustainability, both in terms of infrastructure and community well-being, remains an elusive goal in these housing projects. With an overwhelming majority of residents living below the poverty line, the failure to address these pressing issues threatens to undermine the future of these families. A more transparent, accountable, and sustainable approach is urgently needed to uplift these communities, whose voices are often drowned out in the face of bureaucratic inertia.
