Krishnagiri irular families’ wait for promised houses continues

Krishnagiri: More than 50 irular families in N Thattakkal in Krishnagiri district are waiting for the district administration to build houses for them as promised. They have said new houses have not been built even four months after they demolished their old houses as instructed by officials.The families said they had lived in N Thattakkal village near Pochampally for more than 50 years. Their houses were in a dilapidated condition. Govt officials, who visited the area four months ago, assured them that new houses would be built for them. Following the officials’ instructions, the families demolished their old houses and started waiting for the new houses."In the first phase, only the foundation of the houses was laid. No other work has been done for the last four months," said M Samiyappan. He added that those who lost their houses were living in a place where poisonous reptiles crawled. The families said despite several complaints to the authorities, no action was taken.The families said they recently carried out a road blockade on the Krishnagiri-Pochampally state highway. The Nagarasampatty police, who arrived on receiving information about it, held talks with the protesters and pacified them. After the police assured them that they would speak to the relevant authorities and take immediate action to build houses, the protesters dispersed.However, the families said there was no development after that.