Kochi: As part of its road safety measures, the State Public Works Department will start a special drive from December 10 to clear encroachments from roads, road sides and road purampoke land.
As part of the state-level drive, all illegal encroachments like flagposts, bus shelters, auto and taxi stands, wayside eateries, street carts, hoardings, and billboards will be removed. The department has proposed several other projects as part of road safety measures.
Minister for Public Works, V.K.Ebrahim Kunju said: “There have been widespread complaints against the functioning of illegal auto and taxi stands which encroach on the narrow roads. Though land scarcity is a major reason for this, such stands will not be permitted. The same is the case of unauthorised bus shelters.”
The anti-encroachment exercise will be carried out in all divisions across the state under the supervision of executive engineers concerned. The assistance of police authorities and the district administrations will be sought for the effective implementation of the drive.
The PWD will also chalk out projects for making city roads pedestrian-friendly with proper footpaths.
According to the Minister, lack of awareness also is a reason for the widespread encroachment of roads and footpaths.
