Housing – Delayed Construction Leaves Paliyar Tribal Families Living in Unsafe Huts

Housing – Members of the Paliyar tribal community living in the Thalaiyanai area near Vasudevanallur have appealed to authorities to accelerate the construction of houses sanctioned for them under a state welfare scheme. Community representatives say the prolonged delay has left many families continuing to live in temporary huts, exposing them to risks such as snake and reptile bites.

Relocation Promises Yet to Be Fully Realised

Residents explained that around 120 people belonging to 36 Paliyar families were relocated from forest regions of the Western Ghats to Thalaiyanai between 2010 and 2011. The relocation took place with the assurance that permanent housing would be provided to them.

However, only a limited number of families received government-built shelters at the time. According to community members, just 15 households were provided with small single-room structures when they were moved to the new location. Over the years, those structures have deteriorated significantly and are no longer safe or comfortable for living.

Many other families who were part of the relocation programme did not receive houses at all and have continued to stay in basic huts constructed using locally available materials.

Housing Scheme Announced After Media Report

The situation of the tribal community drew wider attention earlier this year. In January 2025, a report highlighted the difficult living conditions faced by the residents of Thalaiyanai, including their lack of proper housing facilities.

Following that report, the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department approved financial assistance for the construction of new houses. On February 19, 2025, the department sanctioned funds of Rs 6.2 lakh for each house to build 13 homes for selected beneficiaries from the community.

The housing project raised hopes among the families who had been waiting for permanent homes for many years. However, according to residents, the progress of construction has been slow, and the buildings are yet to be completed.

Living Conditions Continue to Cause Hardship

Because the houses remain unfinished, several families say they have no option but to continue living in temporary huts. These makeshift dwellings offer little protection from the environment and wildlife.

Residents stated that encounters with snakes and other reptiles are common in the area, creating constant concern for families, particularly children and elderly members. The risk increases during the monsoon season when water enters the huts and the surrounding land becomes damp.

Community members said that during heavy rainfall they sometimes seek temporary shelter in the homes of relatives living nearby, as their huts cannot withstand prolonged rain.

Petition Submitted to District Administration

On Monday, representatives from the Paliyar community submitted a petition to the district collector, A K Kamal Kishore, requesting immediate steps to speed up the housing construction.

In their petition, they highlighted the unsafe conditions in which they are currently living and urged the administration to ensure that the sanctioned houses are completed without further delay. The residents said that proper housing is essential for their safety and dignity.

Officials Assure Faster Construction Work

When contacted regarding the issue, an official associated with the project stated that efforts would be made to accelerate the ongoing construction work so that the houses can be completed at the earliest.

Meanwhile, social activist T Suresh, who has been working closely with the Paliyar tribal community, emphasized that the government should focus on providing durable and adequate housing facilities. He also suggested that the old single-room shelters constructed earlier should eventually be replaced with more suitable homes that meet the needs of the families.

Community members say they remain hopeful that the authorities will act quickly so that the long-pending housing project can finally provide them with safe and stable living conditions.