Residents stage protest against eviction drive

The incident happened when the officials went to SM Nagar, Gandhi Nagar and Indira Gandhi Nagar along the riverbank to conduct an enumeration of houses in the settlements. “There are over 5,000 encroachments in the area. Alternate tenements are allocated to around 2,700 families in Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board apartments in Perumbakkam,” an official said.

He added that three-month eviction notices were already issued to the families that received allotments. As per the notice, the families should vacate by Thursday. However, the residents opposed the move and reportedly sought more time to move out. They also alleged misconduct in allocating tenements in Perumbakkam. The residents argued with the civic officials and staged a flash protest blocking Anna Salai. “The officials have come to enumerate the houses to be demolished tomorrow. Even though we seek more time to vacate, they are obstinate,” a resident said. The protest was called off after the local police arrived and held talks with the residents.

According to civic body data, around 10,000 families were evicted from the banks of Cooum between 2016 and 2019. “The remaining families will be evicted by the end of 2020,” the official added.