Around 100 families resettled in the forest‑border hamlet of Sendrayanpalayam, Erode district, remain without electricity, piped water and motorable roads. Administrative delays and proximity to wildlife‑dense forest amplify daily safety and health concerns.

Key Takeaways

  • Around 100 families still lack basic services
  • Land pattas are prerequisite for electricity and water
  • Proximity to forest heightens wildlife danger

The hamlet of Sendrayanpalayam, situated in Gobichettipalayam taluk of Erode district, lies on the edge of the T.N. Palayam Forest Range. Six years ago, about a hundred agricultural labourers and daily‑wage earners were relocated here under the Periyakodiveri Town Panchayat, hoping for improved living conditions.

Relocation Promise Versus Reality

Government officials assured the families that the new settlement near the Matheswaran Temple would provide land ownership and access to essential services. In practice, the hamlet still lacks formal land pattas, a prerequisite for the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) to lay electricity lines and for the water department to install pipelines.

Absence of Core Infrastructure

Residents live in makeshift huts without electricity, street lighting, or any motorable road. The nearest public‑transport link is nonexistent, forcing the elderly and differently‑abled to travel long distances for medical care. Water is brought from neighboring villages and stored in plastic tanks, exposing families to water‑borne diseases.

Safety Risks from Forest Proximity

Because the settlement borders dense forest, night‑time movement is fraught with danger. Villagers report frequent sightings of wild animals, including venomous snakes, making them reluctant to step outside after sunset. The lack of illumination and transport amplifies these threats.

Recent Administrative Developments

On a recent Friday, officials from the Revenue Department visited the hamlet and pledged to expedite the issuance of land pattas and the provision of electricity, drinking water, and road connectivity. Experts warn that prolonged deprivation not only violates basic human rights but also escalates human‑wildlife conflict, potentially turning the locality into a flashpoint for broader environmental and social issues.