Chennai

Life has never been the same for Jaya, a home maker in the tenements of Perumbakkam, after her 15-year-old daughter slipped off the balcony and died. “She fell from the seventh floor and died on the spot,” said Devi, a neighbour, even as Jaya watched mutely.  

The families here are worried about the safety of their children, as many of the women, originally from the flood-affected areas of Kotturpuram, work as domestic help. Devi elaborated, “We leave as early as 4 am and return only after 5 pm. We fear for the safety of our children when we are away. As none of the balconies are grilled, a small slip can prove to be fatal.” 

“There is no public health centre or government hospital in the vicinity and private hospitals are far off,” said Vijaya, another resident. 

These are not the only concerns. A social activist working with the local community, who didn’t wish to be named, said, “Apart from the lack of safety features, the construction is sub-standard. This year, without even much rain, parts of the roof got damp and the paint has already started peeling off. In some places, concrete is also flaking out of the structures.”

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