India

TNUHDB Targets 20 Sites for 2026‑27 Tenement Reconstruction, Urges Residents to Vacate 23 Dilapidated Buildings

By Geetha Srimathi

The Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUHDB) has earmarked 20 locations across the state for the reconstruction of ageing tenements during 2026‑27 and plans to develop greenfield resettlement sites in Perambur and Madurantakam. Chairperson Ku. Pa. Krishnan told reporters on Friday that the reconstruction projects will involve demolishing existing tenements and building new housing units at the same sites, after which residents may return. The Board has identified a total of 70 sites for reconstruction, to be undertaken in phases.

The TNUHDB also appealed to residents of 23 dilapidated sites to temporarily vacate their houses because of the ongoing northeast monsoon. Of these 23 tenements, 14 are within the locations proposed for reconstruction this year, for which a Government Order will be issued in the coming week. The remaining nine have been prioritised for safety during the monsoon due to their poor 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, Kabali Thottam, and Rukmani Nagar.

Krishnan said the Board is willing to undertake reconstruction of structurally weak buildings but requires residents’ cooperation in vacating the premises. He cited Srinivasapuram, where tenements built in the 1970s had deteriorated, and said the Board would rebuild the houses and hand them back to the residents.

Two new settlement sites will be developed in Perambur and Madurantakam, with Mullai Nagar identified as the location for the Perambur project. Both projects are expected to have more than 450 housing units. A Government Order will be issued in the coming weeks, said Ramana Saraswathi, Managing Director of 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 discussed infrastructure challenges at two housing projects undertaken during the previous DMK government in Dindigul district. At Oddanchatram, 480 housing units were built 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 complete, but the site has poor road connectivity, and the Board will assess other amenities needed to make the location livable. A similar situation exists at Keeranur, where 432 houses were constructed at a cost of ₹57.04 crore. The Board will review such housing projects across the state to assess their location, infrastructure facilities and suitability for habitation, and will take action if any irregularities are found.