Despite being given free patta lands, the transwomen of Coimbatore are reportedly not able to construct houses on them due to strong opposition from the locals and officials’ lethargy.

In a petition to the District Collector TN Hariharan, the transwomen have said that the society was not allowing them to mingle with others.

According to S. Poonguzhali, Secretary of the Coimbatore Mavatta Thirunangaigal Nala Sangam, 29 beneficiaries were given land in Chinnavedapatti; 16 in Perur, and 27 in Pollachi by the District administration.

“The pattas were given in March by former Collector Archana Patnaik, after a 14-year-long struggle,” she said.

Poonguzhali had alleged that revenue officials had not measured the land, so that it may be utilised. One such effort to measure the lands was recently thwarted by the locals of Chinnavedapatti, because they are convinced if a transwomen colony comes up in the area, it would lead to an increase in crimes and immoral activities.

The locals, on their part, allege that the District Administration had failed to follow the norms before clearing the land and allocating them. Even as the claims were denied by the officials, the work was postponed to another date by the police, who wanted to negotiate with the locals and officials, which has not happened so far.

The patta for the lands allotted to 21 beneficiaries in Malumichampatti have not been distributed yet because of delays in measuring them.

“With local pressure and slow progress, we may not get the land that has been gifted to us,” said another transwoman, adding that the work should be carried out faster.