Encroachments by petty shops along the road near the Mattuthavani flower market were removed by the city corporation officials here on Monday. The shops had been allotted space by the Highways department and given permits by the corporation
Chief Town Planning Officer I. Renganathan said that 10 petty shops had encroached upon more space than they were allotted for as they were running small eateries around the shop. “Many of these shops had encroached upon the roads and platforms. We found that the shops had been violating norms and called for this routine eviction drive,” he said.
Corporation officials said that the encroachments, which included concrete slabs and temporary sheds, were removed since they were causing hardship to the public. Tense moments prevailed among the shopkeepers and the owners locked the petty shops for the day.
“We had also got complaints that they were disposing off waste on the roads,” the officials stated.
Locals in the area however said that the shops had been functioning for many days with eateries around them. “There have been no inspections when these shops were set up and erected temporary sheds. This action has come all of a sudden,” said an auto driver.
The corporation officials however said that they were carrying out routine checks to keep encroachments away. “We have planned more such eviction drives in the coming days,” said A. Palanisamy, Assistant Commissioner.
