Sri Lankan Tamil refugees living in dilapidated government quarters near Pollachi for 30 years petition Sub-Collector for safe housing, citing risk to elderly and children.
Coimbatore: Sri Lankan Tamil refugees residing in government quarters near Pollachi have petitioned the Sub-Collector's office, demanding safe housing and basic amenities. The refugees, who have been living in rehabilitation camps for about 30 years, claim their current accommodations are in a dangerous state of disrepair.
The refugee families are currently housed in quarters belonging to the Public Works Department and the Electricity Board near Kottur and Aliyar Dam in the Pollachi region. These structures, which have been their homes for three decades, are now in a severely deteriorated condition and could collapse at any time, posing a significant risk to the inhabitants.
The petitioners, accompanied by their families, expressed their fear for the safety of the elderly and children living in these precarious conditions. They stated that they have been living in constant fear and anxiety due to the unsafe state of their dwellings.
In their petition, the refugees highlighted that the government has not provided any basic facilities for them in the 30 years they have been living in the rehabilitation camp. They claim to have repeatedly approached government officials requesting repairs and renovations to their living quarters, but no action has been taken so far.
With tears in their eyes, the petitioners pleaded for the construction of alternative housing. They emphasized the urgency of their situation and the need for immediate action to ensure their safety and well-being.
The refugees' plea underscores the long-standing issues faced by displaced communities and the need for sustained attention to their living conditions and basic rights. The response of the local administration to this petition remains to be seen, as the refugees await a resolution to their housing crisis.