Tiruvannamalai Corporation is setting up 10 temporary shelters for families in Arunachala Hills

Collector Vandhana Garg conducted an inspection in Tiruvannamalai town on Saturday to assess rain preparedness. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

With the onset of the northeast monsoon, the Tiruvannamalai Corporation has set up at least 10 temporary shelters, mostly community centers, to accommodate families in the Arunachala Hills.

Corporation officials said the civic officials, along with the forest department, local police and revenue officials, have identified at least 1,400 vulnerable families – those living in the upper part of the hills.

“Adequate shelters have been arranged during emergencies. Most of these accommodations are located at least 500 meters from the hills to ensure the safety of the displaced families,” K. Balasubramanian, commissioner of Tiruvannamalai Corporation, told The Hindu.

Currently, over 6,000 families live in small settlements in the hills. Of these, the tax office identified 1,535 illegal settlements, mostly family houses and commercial establishments. Around 140 illegal settlements fall under the company’s limits.

Demolition of these illegal structures will prevent landslides in the hills during monsoon. In December 2024, seven people, including children, died after heavy rain caused a landslide. A total of 576 acres of land in the hills are encroached upon, most of which are houses.

Along with civic officials, Collector Vandhana Garg inspected Mada streets around Arunachaleswarar Temple, bus terminus, Girivalam trail and market in the city to assess rain preparedness.

Sudden showers have flooded key parts of the city in recent days. Shops in the streets of Mada stagnated with water up to their knees. “With the Karthigai Deepam festival, the city should be prepared to handle the monsoon, especially by preventing water stagnation,” said R. Sampath, a resident.

Corporation officials said 23 choke points have been identified in drains and storm water channels in the city. These places prevent the free flow of excess rainwater into the surrounding Vengaikaal Lake near the collector. Plastic waste remains a major factor in blocking the flow of rainwater.

In coordination with the state highways department, the civic body is putting catch basins at the blocked places in the drain to drain the excess rain water that comes from the hills.

Along with key water channels, 160 km of storm drains have been desilted in the city so far. Water pipes are also monitored for pipe bursts and leaks.

Published – 24 October 2026 23:59 IST