Roof collapse in tribal row house near Pollachi renews demand for safe housing

A roof collapse at a tribal row house in Puliyankandi village near Pollachi has intensified residents' demand for safe accommodation. The incident occurred on Friday when the concrete roof of a house belonging to Karuppathaal (70) broke and fell inside, leaving the steel frame exposed. The elderly woman had a narrow escape and has since moved to a relative's nearby house, fearing the remainder of the structure could also give way.

Residents say they have been pressing for safe houses for several years, alleging that they face the constant threat of collapse in dilapidated homes. The houses were built when the area was under the Udumalpet Forest Range.

A prior report on July 7, 2026, highlighted that 41 tribal group housing units in Puliyankandi lie in ruins, underscoring the longstanding nature of the problem. The latest incident has further fuelled calls from the residents for urgent action to ensure safe housing.