At least four buildings housing more than 25 persons developed cracks on Friday owing to Metro Rail tunnelling in Chintadripet.
Residents of more than six families, who were tenants in the buildings, came out of their homes at 7 p.m. after the walls of buildings developed cracks. Some of the shops and an ATM of SBI on Ayya Mudali Street were also shut down after the incident.
A.M. Sudharshan, a property owner of one of the buildings with six tenants, said minor damage had been reported to CMRL officials one week ago.
“But the officials scared us away. They have not informed us about the work and its impact,” said Mr. Sudharshan.
Another resident Rajakumari said the floor had caved in three feet.
“We are scared. The buildings may collapse. The CMRL officials have not spoken to the owners of the buildings so far,” said Mrs. Rajakumari.
Officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) said the tunnelling work being carried out from May Day Park station to Chennai Central station had caused the cracks. “We have given them accommodation at a hotel in Egmore. They can return to their residences if it is safe to return tomorrow. Also, we will ensure that the houses are repaired,” an official said. He added that the tunnel is yet to cross that area.
(with inputs from Sunita Sekar)
