Chennai: After Kancheepuram municipal corporation with help of police force removed 30 illegally constructed shops outside Kancheepuram bus stand on Thursday, the shopkeepers staged a protest and blocked traffic on Kamaraja Salai for more than two hours.
Long traffic jams on all connecting roads led to the inconvenience of commuters. Shopkeepers opposed the eviction and raised slogans against the Kancheepuram municipal corporation.
According to officials, they have received complaints from residents, tourists and the pilgrims visiting the town that encroachments were proving as a traffic hazard and incontinence to them during the visit to the town.
Based on the orders from district collector P.Ponnaiah, the Kancheepuram municipality officials and police on Wednesday removed encroachments of nearly 30 shops.
Meanwhile, shopkeepers staged a protest on Kamarajar Salai seeking a week's time. However, officials warned that if they did not remove their shops within 24 hours, their belongings will be confiscated and legal action will be initiated against them.
Thirty shops were removed on Thursday and all other shops will be removed on Friday, an official said.
