Date:03/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/04/03/stories/2007040319320300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

No longer a slum, thanks to Integrated Development Programme

Staff Reporter

WITH GRATITUDE: Shanti Renganathan of TTK Hospital receives a memento from Chennai Willingdon Corporate Foundation director V. Narayanan at the valedictory of the Integrated Development of Annai Sathya Nagar Programme in Jafferkhanpet on Monday. 51; Photo: R.Shivaji Rao

CHENNAI : Annai Sathya Nagar is no longer referred to as a slum, thanks to the Integrated Development Programme that aimed to tone up all aspects of life in the area, said speakers at the valedictory event of the programme on Monday.

The Chennai Willingdon Corporate Foundation and the Rotary Club of Madras East had worked with the residents of Annai Sathya Nagar in Jafferkhanpet to promote waste management practices, construct toilets with closed sewer connections, provide piped water supply in every household and make provisions for healthcare of the residents.

The organisations had also urged the Corporation to provide facilities such as concrete roads and waive property tax arrears.

Honorary project coordinator N. Byravan recalled that the organisations had embarked on the project in 2002 to simultaneously address issues of health, hygiene, literacy and economic empowerment in the area.

Sathya Nagar Nala Sangam president A. Mani pointed out there had been a significant drop in the number of cases of malaria, dengue and diarrhoea following the implementation of the programme.

Sahishnatha Trust director S. Jayam said medical camps and classes on basic health were part of the initiative to improve the lot of the people. Only one child had fallen sick enough to require hospitalisation in recent times, she said.

Residents of the area talked about various aspects of the programme, including the tuition classes, formation of self-help groups, and attempts to help alcoholics.

All these measures, they said, resulted in a positive impact on their lives.

Counselling for mothers and adolescent girls, adult education, rainwater harvesting, replacement of thatched roofs with fireproof asbestos, construction of community centre and establishment of 22 self-help groups were some other interventions undertaken as part of the programme.

Tuberculosis control, installation of borewell, employment assistance and awareness programmes were activities undertaken over the last five years.