Chennai: Tensions prevailed on Station Road at West Mambalam abutting T. Nagar, after Greater Chennai corporation officials brought earthmovers and razed down portions of the shops encroaching pedestrian pathways, on Wednesday.
“The eviction drive has been conducted as a part of a routine. Moreover, many complaints were received from the public. Encroachments affect the pedestrian movement and are posing danger to them,” a Chennai corporation official said.
Tension prevailed at the locality after corporation officials brought earthmovers and started to demolish protracted portions of the shops. Taken by shock, traders created commotion and demanded to stop the eviction drive.
“The corporation officials had failed to issue notices prior to the eviction drive,” traders alleged. The traders also added that they had requested a one-day time to remove the encroachments.
The street that directly connects the Mambalam railway station has been an important destination for shoppers. The street has shops selling vegetables to electronic goods.
Meanwhile, more traders gathered in the street as the earthmover brought by the Chennai Corporation officials got damaged during the eviction drive. However, the eviction drive has been continued with the alternate earthmover amid the presence of more than 100 policemen from the Mambalam police station and other nearby police stations.
According to a Chennai corporation official, portions of more than 150 shops have been removed. “More such drives will be carried out to clear encroachment on pedestrian pathways,” the official added.
