The completion of Chennai’s Eastern bypass from Perungalathur to Rajakilpakkam, a 9.3-kilometer-long project that has been in the works since 1979, hinges on the relocation of 188 houses that are currently encroaching on government lands in three revenue villages. The residents of these houses, which are located on Meikkal poromboke (grazing lands), graama natham lands, and eri poromboke (lands surrounding a tank), have been demanding alternative housing. The government has submitted proposals to the Chengalpattu district administration to address their concerns, but there is no provision for rehabilitation costs in this project. The encroached lands belong to various government departments and can only be alienated. Of the 9.3-km-long, four-lane wide road, an 850-meter-long stretch is affected by the encroachments. Another stretch of 650 meters of land, belonging to the Forest Department, has to be acquired near Perungalathur. Alternative land for this stretch has been identified, and the project is awaiting approval from the state government.
Eastern Bypass Completion Hinges on Relocation of Encroaching Residents in Chennai
