TNSCB seeks Rs 1175 crore to reconstruct 16,500 tenements

C Shivakumar
Chennai:
Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board will be reconstructing 16,500 dilapidated tenements in the next two years and sought funds worth Rs 1175 crore.

Sources told Express that a technical committee has identified the dilapidated tenements among the 34,000 tenements constructed during the 1970s.

Sources said the board has approved during its meeting held on January 18 to reconstruct the tenements to implement this programme out of government budgetary support during 2013-15.

Interestingly, the lifespan of these buildings are estimated to be 70 years but many of them have become weak before its lifespan. The paucity of funds and encroachments are also blamed for weakening of the structures.

Sources said the tenements have also become structurally weak and the rods in the slabs are corroded due to saline action posing danger to the lives and properties of the inmates of the tenements.

Interestingly, many of the occupants of the dilapidated tenements have been issued with notices to vacate their tenements but they have refused.

Sources said that TNSCB does not have resources of its own to meet the capital cost of reconstruction of dilapidated tenements.

Sources also said that TNSCB will be spending Rs 120 crore in carrying out repairs and renewal works in tenements in Chennai and other towns during the next financial year.