Corporation assures action against encroachments on smart roads in Erode

Corporation vows action against encroachments on Veterinary Hospital Road to ensure public benefit from Smart Cities Mission.

With shopkeepers encroaching on entire footpaths along smart roads, particularly Veterinary Hospital Road, the Corporation has assured action to ensure that public funds spent on the project will eventually benefit the public.

The civic body had developed the road under the Smart Cities Mission, with footpaths on either side and an underground utility system. However, textile traders and commercial establishments have taken over these footpaths, erecting permanent rooftops and occupying public space. With no space left for pedestrians, they are forced to walk on the road, disrupting vehicular movement. Additionally, unauthorised vehicle parking on both sides of the road has led to congestion throughout the day.

Since the project was executed during the previous AIADMK government, a party functionary criticised the civic body for failing to take action against encroachers over the past four years, causing hardship to pedestrians and road users. He argued that unauthorised occupancy by commercial establishments has undermined the improvements made during the AIADMK’s tenure and blamed the civic body for its inaction in removing the encroachments.

Veterinary Hospital Road connects State Bank Road to commercial streets in the city and remains busy throughout the day. However, congestion along the 300-metre stretch has forced many motorists to take alternative routes, while encroachers continue their business by occupying public space. Garments are displayed on the footpaths, and the entire stretch remains illegally occupied due to the civic body’s inaction. Road users have repeatedly pointed out that public funds are being misused due to encroachments and have urged the civic body to take action.

When the issue was brought to the attention of Corporation Commissioner in charge and Deputy Commissioner K. Dhanalakshmi, she stated that officials would be consulted and encroachments would be permanently removed. She assured The Hindu that steps would be taken to prevent future encroachments on the footpaths.