Evicted from banks of Cooum, families protest in Chepauk

Activists and civil society members have slammed the state government’s approach in resettling evicted families from banks of the Cooum to the far-flung localities of Perumbakkam and Kannagi Nagar, snatching away the livelihood of hundreds and pushing many into the vicious cycle of poverty. 

On Wednesday, around a hundred people called out the injustice as modern untouchability under the guise of restoration of waterbodies or “flood protection” to the middleclass residents living on the banks. The protesters demanded that vacant lands be identified in each zone and in-situ resettlement adopted within a 3-kilometer radius – ensuring that their livelihoods are not affected. 

The protest, organised by associations including Pen Urimai Iyakkam, Unorganised Workers Federation and Nirman Mazdoor Panchayat Sangam, which follows a report on the public hearing for evicted families held in December. 

Pointing out the gaps in the resettlement system, the protesters demanded resettlement for 150 tsunami affected families from Kasimedu who are still waiting for a roof above their heads. Santhi, a fisherwoman, said that these families have made multiple enquiries but are still awaiting allocation. 

“We don’t mind where we are sent, we just want a roof above our heads,” added the fisher leader of Indian Union of Fishermen. R Geetha, founder of Unorganised Workers Federation, said that the group is planning more protests until the demands are met.