Tiruchi Corporation launches special eviction drive on East Boulevard Road

Tiruchi Corporation on Wednesday began a three-day special drive to remove encroachments that are hindering vehicular movement on East Boulevard Road in Tiruchi

Tiruchi Corporation on Wednesday began a three-day special drive to remove encroachments that are hindering vehicular movement on East Boulevard Road in the city.

To prevent encroachments and ensure the free flow of traffic, the Corporation installed precast medians along the stretch between the wholesale banana market and the Corporation Higher Secondary School, which is the most congested part of the road.

Encroachments by parcel and cargo agencies had become rampant with trucks parked randomly shrinking the carriageway and navigating the stretch had turned into a nightmare for road users. The stretch continued to be the hotspot of encroachments as scrap dealers and workshops occupied the road to stock their inventories, including used furniture. Many shops were occupying public space beyond the commercial space allotted to them.

Following complaints from the residents and road safety activists, the officials initiated its crackdown on encroachments to free up space for pedestrians and vehicles. Properties, including furniture and scrap items, of around 68 shops that were dumped on the roadside were seized by a team of Corporation officials with police protection on Thursday.

On Wednesday, properties of three shops were evicted. The seized items were moved to the Corporation’s compost yards and it is said that the properties would not be returned.

Officials said that notices were served to property owners about encroachments on public places and they were warned of stringent action but they paid no heed.

“These encroachments were causing inconvenience to pedestrians and creating traffic congestion in the area. A penalty would be imposed on owners upon returning their properties, and we would get a written undertaking that they will not encroach on public places again,” said a senior Corporation official. The drive will continue on Friday.