TNUHDB identifies 20 sites for reconstruction across State; appeals to residents of dilapidated tenements to vacate

The Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUHDB) has identified 20 locations across the State for reconstruction of ageing tenements during 2026-27 and plans to build greenfield resettlement sites in Perambur and Madurantakam.

TNUHDB Chairperson Ku. Pa. Krishnan, in an interaction with journalists on Friday, said that the reconstruction projects involve demolishing existing ageing tenements and constructing new housing units at the same locations. Residents can return after the work is completed. The Board has identified a total of 70 sites for reconstruction across the State, which will be taken up in phases, he said.

The TNUHDB also appealed to residents of 23 dilapidated sites to temporarily vacate their houses in view of the ongoing northeast monsoon. Of the 23 tenements identified in its safety advisory, 14 fell within the locations proposed for reconstruction this year, for which a Government Order is to be issued in the coming week. The remaining nine have been additionally prioritised for safety during the monsoon in view of their dilapidated condition.

The 23 tenements include Srinivasapuram, V.O.C. Nagar, Old Block Vyasarpadi, Nagooran Thottam, Annathai Kuppam, Nallankuppam (Old), N.V.N. Nagar (Phase-II), West Cemetery Road, Pallakumaniyam and Kabali Thottam, and Rukmani Nagar.

Mr. Krishnan said the Board was willing to undertake reconstruction of structurally weak buildings but residents’ cooperation in vacating the premises was essential. Citing Srinivasapuram, where tenements constructed in the 1970s had deteriorated over the years, he said the Board was ready to rebuild the houses and hand them back to the residents.

Two new settlement sites will come up in Perambur and Madurantakam, with Mullai Nagar identified as the location for the Perambur project. Both projects are expected to have over 450 housing units. A G.O. will be issued in the coming weeks, said Ramana Saraswathi, Managing Director, TNUHDB.

The constructions are proposed as ground-plus-six-floor buildings and are intended for eligible families living on vulnerable and objectionable poromboke land, including flood-prone areas lacking basic infrastructure.

Mr. Krishnan also spoke about the infrastructure challenges at two housing projects taken up during the previous DMK government in Dindigul district. At Oddanchatram, 480 housing units were constructed at a cost of ₹66.23 crore. “The Board is now spending an additional ₹7.14 crore to provide drinking water connectivity to the site. Nearly 90% of the work is over. But the site has poor road connectivity. We will have to look at the other amenities required to make such locations liveable,” he said.

He said a similar situation prevails at Keeranur in Dindigul district, where 432 houses were constructed at a cost of ₹57.04 crore. “Such housing projects across the State would be reviewed to assess their location, infrastructure facilities and suitability for habitation. Action will be initiated if any irregularities are found,” he said.