Residents of the Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camp in Kulathulvaipatti village, Ettyapuram, have appealed to authorities for urgent improvements to housing, water supply, electricity and public infrastructure, highlighting the continued hardships faced by Eelam Tamil refugees living in Tamil Nadu decades after fleeing Sri Lanka.
The demands were submitted during the weekly public grievance redress meeting at the Thoothukudi District Collectorate earlier this month, chaired by District Collector Vishu Mahajan.
In their petition, residents outlined a series of longstanding concerns affecting daily life in the camp, where Tamil families displaced by anti-Tamil violence, state repression and genocide in Sri Lanka have resided for years.
Among the most pressing issues raised were defects in houses constructed under a government housing scheme. Residents said several homes suffer from structural problems, while some eligible families are yet to receive housing allocations.
Concerns were also raised over access to drinking water. Residents noted that water storage tanks installed only three years ago have already developed significant leakages, undermining a vital service relied upon by camp residents.
They further stated that repeated requests for a three-phase electricity connection to operate water pumps had gone unanswered, with authorities providing only a single-phase connection that is insufficient for their needs.
The petition also highlighted what residents described as unequal access to basic services. While neighbouring villages have reportedly received individual water connections, the rehabilitation camp remains excluded from similar provisions.
Residents additionally pointed to the absence of electricity poles and street lighting in parts of the settlement, warning that poor lighting poses a serious safety risk, particularly for women and children.
Speaking to officials, camp resident Surendran called for the construction of a protective boundary fence around the settlement. He explained that a narrow pathway running through the camp is regularly used by residents of nearby villages to access agricultural land, creating increasing dangers for those living there.
“We have lived here for around 30 years. Earlier, access was mainly through bullock carts. Now heavy vehicles are using the same path, which creates risks for children and causes damage to nearby houses,” he said.
Residents also appealed for the establishment of a children's playground and a community welfare centre, arguing that the camp lacks adequate communal spaces and facilities for families.
In addition, they urged authorities to simplify procedures for purchasing new vehicles, citing lengthy delays caused by requirements to obtain approvals from multiple government departments, including the tahsildar's office and police authorities.
The community called on the District Collector to intervene and ensure that immediate action is taken to address the grievances outlined in the petition.
The appeal underscores the enduring challenges faced by thousands of Eelam Tamil refugees across Tamil Nadu, many of whom have spent decades in camps despite having built their lives in India. Access to adequate housing, reliable infrastructure, livelihoods and basic public services remains a persistent concern in many settlements.
