A bird’s eye view of the Perumbakkam locality would reflect a well planned resettlement neighbourhood. It is a whole other story at ground level though: the smell of fetid garbage, the sight of plastic bottles, and sewage running on the streets assault all the senses.

Perumbakkam: the cost of resettlement
In the Perumbakkam locality maintenance is poor and water is scarce. Electricity supply is spotty, and the healthcare services available are less than adequate. Residents of the resettlement area also find it difficult to find livelihood in a whole new neighbourhood.