Tiruvannamalai Corporation sets up 10 temporary shelters for families in Arunachala Hills

With the onset of the Northeast monsoon, Tiruvannamalai Corporation has set up at least 10 temporary shelters, mostly community centres, to accommodate families in Arunachala Hills.

Corporation officials said that along with the Forest Department, local police and revenue officials, civic officials have identified at least 1,400 vulnerable families - those residing in the upper portion of the hills.

“Adequate shelters have been arranged during emergencies. Most of these accommodations are located at least 500 metres away from the hills to ensure safety of relocated families,” K. Balasubramanian, Commissioner, Tiruvannamalai Corporation, told The Hindu. 

At present, over 6,000 families are living in small settlements in the hills. Of this, the Revenue Department has identified 1,535 illegal settlements, mostly houses and commercial establishments. Around 140 illegal settlements fall under the Corporation limits.

Demolition of these illegal structures will prevent landslides in the hills during monsoon. On December 1, 2024, seven persons, including children died after heavy rain triggered a landslide. A total of 576 acres of land in the hills are encroached upon, with most of them being houses.

Along with civic officials, Collector Vandhana Garg inspected Mada Streets around Arunachaleswarar temple, a bus terminus, Girivalam Path, and a market in town to assess rain preparedness.

Sudden showers for the past few days have inundated key stretches in the town. Shops on Mada Streets were stagnated with knee-deep water. “With Karthigai Deepam festival, the town should be prepared to handle the monsoon, especially by preventing water stagnation ,” said R. Sampath, a resident.

Corporation officials said thatt 23 choke spots in storm-water drains and channels have been identified in the town. These spots prevent free flow of excess rainwater into the surrounding Vengaikaal lake near the Collectorate. Plastic wastes remain a major factor in blocking flow of rainwater.

In coordination with the State Highways Department, the civic body is laying catch pits at clogged spots in the drain to discharge excess rainwater that comes from the hills.

Along with key water channels, 160 km of storm-water drain in the town have been desilted so far. Water pipelines are also being monitored for pipe burst and leakages.