Tiruvannamalai Corporation establishes shelters to protect hill residents from landslides
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The Tiruvannamalai Corporation in Tamil Nadu, India, established at least 10 temporary shelters to house families living in the Arunachala Hills during the Northeast monsoon.
Officials from the corporation worked with the Forest Department, local police, and revenue officials to identify 1,400 vulnerable families living in the upper parts of the hills. Commissioner K. Balasubramanian stated that these accommodations are situated at least 500 metres away from the hills to ensure the safety of the relocated residents.
The move follows a landslide on December 1, 2024, which killed seven people, including children. Authorities plan to demolish illegal structures to prevent further landslides, noting that 1,535 illegal settlements currently exist in the area. To manage heavy rainfall in the town, officials identified 23 choke spots in storm-water drains caused by plastic waste. The corporation is currently desilting 160 km of drains and installing catch pits with the State Highways Department to move water into the Vengaikaal lake.
These measures aim to prevent water stagnation in the town ahead of the Karthigai Deepam festival.
