In spite of the numerous natural calamities that have struck Cuddalore district, the cyclone relief shelters located across various coastal areas here are poorly maintained, with damaged walls and broken doors, needing immediate repair before the next monsoon season.
Villagers are hoping that authorities would carry out the repair work at the earliest, so that these buildings can house people in case calamities strike.
“Two years ago, when Cuddalore district was hit by Cyclone Thane, the relief shelter in our village played a major role in saving numerous lives. But the structure, which was built three decades ago, could not withstand the strong winds of cyclones Thane and Nilam. As a result, the walls and doors of the building broke; the structure is in immediate need of repair,” said Kumar of Alapakkam.
The revenue department along with the village panchayats concerned are responsible for the repair and maintenance work of these buildings. As many as 26 cyclone relief shelters are situated in Cuddalore district, of which two are in Cuddalore block, six in Kurinjipadi block, nine in Kumaratchi block and nine shelters in Parangipettai block.
“If these buildings are repaired immediately and are maintained, it would be helpful for the district administration to act briskly during a calamity. Moreover, all these buildings are old and dilapidated as they were built years ago. No new buildings are proposed to be built in the coastal hamlets here even after repeated calamities like floods and cyclone in the district. The authorities should consider this,” said Arumugam, a villager.