Slum dwellers evicted to make way for improved stadium
Posted on: 21/Jan/2013 2:42:06 PM - No. of views : (3253)
In preparation for the Asian Atheletics Championship to be held in August 2013, the Chennai Corporation has started evicting homes and families that have made their homes on the land near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. This land acquisition is to construct additional tracks for the track and field events, and will be handed over to the Sports Development Authority of the State.
This move has created unrest and dissatisfaction from the residents as many of them are not eligible for alternate accommodation. Ms. Rajeshwari said that her house was destroyed by a fire and her claim for alternate accommodation was declined. Another resident, Mr. Vinayakamurthy said he had taken pains to clear the area of bushes to build his home.
Activist Ms. Leelalvati of Penn Urimai Iyakkam said that since the move is being made in the middle of the academic year, students will now have to travel long distances to go to school.
