15 years on, Paliyar tribals wait for houses promised by TN government

Families relocated from Western Ghats to Thalaiyanai in 2010-11 with promise of new houses

- THINAKARAN RAJAMANI @Tirunelveli

As many as 13 Paliyar tribal families, who have been living in huts for the past 15 years in Thalaiyanai near Vasudevanallur, demanded that the state government should construct houses for them, on the land allotted to them. "About 36 tribal families were relocated from the Western Ghats to Thalaiyanai in 2010-11 with the promise of houses. However, the government did not keep its promise," said the residents.

According to them, the government constructed single-room shelters (halls) for only 15 relocated families. "Since our huts are located close to the forest, we frequently experience reptile bites. During the rainy season, we are forced to take refuge in relatives' houses. The elderly and children suffer the most," said T Rajan, a resident.