36 homes in Kannagi Nagar found to be structurally vulnerable

CHENNAI, Tamil Nadu: 36 homes in Kannagi Nagar’s Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUHDB) tenements have been found structurally vulnerable due to the excavation for trenches to construct a social welfare centre which took place four months ago. These trenches are now filled with sewage, and the local residents are complaining that the foundation pillars of their buildings lie exposed and the walls have developed cracks.

Aswini Karuna, Ward Councillor, has informed that the sewage line which connects the entire block was damaged during the excavation four months ago to lay the foundation stone of the welfare centre. The government highlighted that repairing the damage would cost around ₹55 lakh.

Revathi, a local resident, said that due to this excavation work, the sewage has entered in her home and has damaged the power connection. She also complained that the authorities are indifferent towards this problem.

Residents have been asking for the construction of a concrete cover over the excavated trench along with an analysis of the cracks in their homes to ensure that the existing structures are stable to allay their fears. Venessa, a social activist, has demanded the same from the TNUHDB.

Construction of the social welfare centre began four months ago but could not be continued because the trenches were flooded with water. Sivasankaran, Executive Engineer, TNUHDB, has assured that they will take action to ensure safety.