Affected families of Chennai building collapse seek compensation

Even a year after a residential building collapsed in Moulivakkam, a Chennai suburb, residents say they are yet to get compensation from the builder, Prime Sristi.

The multi-storey residential building under construction collapsed after a downpour on June 28, 2014, killing 61 construction workers.

Representatives of the 55 owners, who have formed the Moulivakkam Trust Heights Flat Affected Association, told a press conference that the State government had not extended any support to them.

Prashanth, an owner and member of the association, said the forum had not got any positive response even after filing an affidavit before the one-man commission constituted by the government to probe the tragedy and a writ petition in the Madras High Court.

“We have requested for compensation of ₹25 crore for the 55 families who had invested in the project, which does not include the EMI we are paying to the banks for our non-existent houses,” said Prashanth.

He said they have filed a case at the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission against the builder demanding compensation.

Another resident Manikanden M said apart from paying the rent of ₹15,000, he is required to pay an interest of ₹35,000 a month for the collapsed house since the banks have refused to waive the loan without direction from the government. Since the building collapsed before it came to their possession they are unable to claim insurance, he added.

Ramamurthy, a 72-year-old retired engineer who bought the house from his and his wife’s retirement fund, said the building collapsed 15 days after the he paid the amount to the builders.

“Now I’m staying in a rented place and my daughter is bearing half the rent since my pension is not enough to cover the expenses,” he said.

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