Tribals near Kancheepuram deprived of basic amenities

Residents of villages surrounding Thiruporur which include Kurumpakkam, Panjanththiruti, Pattipuram, Pudupakkam, Kottamedu, Kaayar and Mambakkam reportedly do not have access to basic amenities and have not been provided with Aadhar card till date.

Most of these families, who live in temporary tenements surrounding water bodies in the area claim that the PWD authorities, while clearing the waterways and removing encroachments that obstruct the flow of water, destroy their huts.

Since the group do not have a permanent address, the tribal families enrolled for an address proof document from the Tamil Nadu Tribal People Association (TNTPA) using which they enrolled themselves for Aadhaar cards.

“However, the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) is not accepting that as address proof,” said G Jegadishan, Kancheepuram district head of TNTPA. “The officials are neglecting the group. They make us wait until evening in the VAO office to enrol for an Aadhaar card. Due to this the daily wage labourers are unable to go for work.”

Last week, a group of tribals protested in front of the VAO office following which revenue officials who visited the spot claimed that they will take appropriate action. But no action has been taken yet, the residents claimed. 

Thiruporur Tahsildar R Raja Kumar said, “Address proof can be applied only through online portals. We are making arrangements to educate the tribal community on registering online with the help of volunteers. Also, we are enquiring about the encroachments intheir lands and will take action soon.”