Tamil Nadu - Kancheepuram   

Villagers oppose satellite town proposal

Staff Reporter

Residents of Chengalpattu taluk fear their livelihood is at stake

EXPRESSING APPREHENSION: A villager airing her views at a public hearing organised by the Pattali Makkal Katchi on government proposal to set up a satellite town at Urapakkam near Vandalur on Thursday. PMK founder S. Ramadoss is also in the picture. — Photo: A. Muralitharan

KANCHEEPURAM: Residents of 44 villages in Chengalpattu taluk have expressed apprehension that their livelihood is at stake in the wake of the intensive land survey being conducted for setting up a satellite town for Chennai.

Addressing a public meeting organised by the Pattali Makkal Katchi at Oorapakkam near Vandalur in the presence of PMK founder S. Ramadoss, representatives of these villages claimed the manner in which the survey was being conducted had created fear in their minds that they might not even be given a chance to explain their position to the Government.

Around 50 revenue inspectors have been deputed for the survey to collect details about 22,300 acres of land in 44 villages. They have almost completed the exercise at Othivakkam, Kumizhi, Melakottaiyur, Kizhakottaiyur, Murugamangalam, Karuppur, Kayarambedu, Nellikuppam and other villages.

The speakers claimed most of the residents of these villages were ryots and their livelihood depended on wetlands that were irrigated using groundwater sources and, at times, water released from small irrigation tanks.

A woman representative expressed resentment against the proposal, pointing out that breadwinners of families would have to look for other jobs once the proposal took final shape. "In case we are not able to find alternative jobs, our families will definitely be on the road looking for support from others."

Intervening at this juncture, Dr. Ramadoss said such a situation would not arise as the villagers might get absorbed in other jobs.

Responding to this, the woman said though they might lead a dignified life with support from the Government, it would not, in any way, compensate the pride and stature of leading the life of a ryot.

She added that the villagers would abide by the directions of Dr. Ramadoss.

A villager attempted self-immolation at the venue. Onlookers and organisers of the meeting foiled his bid

Will stand by people: Ramadoss

Later addressing the meeting, Dr. Ramadoss said: "I have requested the State Government to reconsider its decision. The PMK will stand by the people who are likely to be affected in case if the party's request failed to evoke a favourable response."

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