Overview
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is set to inaugurate 280 free houses constructed for Sri Lankan Tamils residing in rehabilitation camps in Kasthambadi village near Polur town in Tiruvannamalai. The inauguration, scheduled for December 27, 2025, marks a significant step in improving the living conditions of these families. The project, costing ₹22.62 crore, aims to provide better housing and facilities for those who have been living in dilapidated conditions since the early 1990s.
Key Developments
Housing Project Details
- Location: Kasthambadi village, Tiruvannamalai district
- Number of Houses: 280
- Cost: ₹22.62 crore
- Beneficiaries: Sri Lankan Tamils living in rehabilitation camps
- Inauguration Date: December 27, 2025
Facilities Provided
The new housing quarters include essential amenities to improve the quality of life for the residents:
- Over Head Tanks (OHTs) for water supply
- Community center for social gatherings and activities
- Public library to promote education and literacy
- Workshop for free vocational training to enhance employability
Project Phases
The project is divided into three phases to ensure comprehensive coverage:
- Phase 1: Completed in 2023, providing 111 houses
- Phase 2: 252 houses given in October 2025, with 280 more to be inaugurated on December 27, 2025.
- Phase 3: Remaining 190 houses to be allocated, covering all 1,131 Sri Lankan Tamil families in the district.
House Specifications
Each house is designed to provide a comfortable living space:
- Cost per House: ₹8.10 lakh
- Area: 291 sq.ft
- Rooms: Living room, bedroom, attached washroom, and kitchen
- Amenities: Free water connection and power supply
Additional Infrastructure
The camp will also include:
- Community center
- Common center for children
- Fair price shop
- Re-laid approach roads from the main road
Exam Relevance
This initiative is relevant to GS2: Government Policies and Interventions, specifically concerning the welfare of vulnerable sections of the population. It also touches upon GS3: Infrastructure Development, as it involves providing housing and basic amenities. The project highlights the government's efforts to address the needs of refugees and displaced populations, a topic of significant importance for the UPSC exam.
Additional Projects Inaugurated
During his visit, Mr. Stalin will also inaugurate 314 completed projects worth ₹2,095 crore. These include:
- New bus terminus (₹30.15 crore)
- Separate building for public grievances at Collectorate (₹12.17 crore)
- Wholesale vegetable, fruits, and flower market complex (₹32.16 crore)
- Police station for Arunachaleshwara temple (₹2.83 crore)
Foundation Stones Laid
The Chief Minister will also lay the foundation stone for 46 new works, including:
- Widening of Tiruvannamalai - Harur Main Road, Arcot - Tindivanam Road, and Kancheepuram - Thiruvathipuram Road into four-lanes (₹161.90 crore)
Key Facts for Prelims
- Total cost of the housing project: ₹22.62 crore
- Number of houses to be inaugurated: 280
- Cost per house: ₹8.10 lakh
- Total number of Sri Lankan Tamil families to be covered: 1,131
- Inauguration Date: December 27, 2025
- Location: Kasthambadi village, Tiruvannamalai