GCC survey shows a rise in number of homeless individuals in the city
The number of homeless individuals in the city has crossed 13,000, with the Central Business District of George Town in Royapuram Zone of the Chennai Corporation accounting for the most number of homeless people.
The Chennai Corporation conducted a survey of the homeless in January, and found an increase in the number of persons without decent housing, when compared to the previous surveys that reported around 11,000 homeless individuals in the city.
This has been attributed to an increasing number of people migrating from other districts and States in search of economic opportunities over the past few years.
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) found that the number of homeless individuals, which was 9623 by mid-February, had crossed 13,000 by the end of the survey in May.
Ward 57 Councillor Rajesh Jain said: 'People from States such as Andhra Pradesh and Bihar have come to my ward in Royapuram zone in search of jobs, and some of them have been homeless. The number of homeless women is higher than that of men in several parts of my ward. Many people have come to Chennai in search of jobs from other districts also.'
Pointing to the rise in the number of homeless persons on stretches such as Wall Tax Road and Prakasam Salai, Mr. Jain said they had started demanding housing facilities. 'We do not know the actual reason for the rise in the number of persons migrating to the city from other States. We have to verify whether it is due to failed agriculture in their native villages. We have taken measures to help them. Around 10% of the homeless children do not go to school. The GCC has two schools in the ward to provide free education for the children,' he said.
Ward 56 Councillor V. Parimalam said efforts were being taken to persuade homeless children to go to school, pointing to the installation of smart classrooms in Chennai Corporation schools.
They also face other challenges. R. Manikandan, who was identified as a homeless resident of Royapettah during the survey in January, had to move out of the area he used to live in due to the implementation of infrastructure projects by civic agencies. Though he rented a house in May, he has not been able to pay the rent of ₹3500 this month.
G. Selva, CPI(M) district secretary, said there was an increase in the number of wage labourers without shelters in the city. 'They work hard. The government should ensure the dignity of such individuals.'
An official of the Chennai Corporation said a number of homeless individuals, who were identified in the survey, did not have Aadhaar and ration cards. 'We will facilitate the issuance of ration cards for those who are yet to get one,' the official said.
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