Chennai: Kancheepuram district administration, which had identified over 637 encroached houses (in February) on the banks and canals of water bodies, set a striking example for accelerating the eviction drive after the 2015 December deluge.
Now, with no steps taken before the monsoon, authorities are in a helpless situation, unable to answer residents’ queries on monsoon preparedness.
As local body elections are fast approaching, residents wonder if the authorities could divert their focus on civic development. The startling sight of the Vedavathi River, which flows in front of Kancheepuram collector’s office, speaks much about the human disregard.
A resident, Sasi Kumar said the river with full of bushes and thorns resemble a small canal. “Vedavathi is a predominant river which has four canals. It is ironic that the river is not yet desilted,” he said.
The eviction drive, which was paused during model code of conduct, has not resumed, even five months after the general elections. P. Amudha IAS, who was in-charge of it, said that she is no more on the team.
DC’s consistent attempts to reach Kancheepuram collector went in vain as she was in a meeting to discuss about monsoon preparedness, according to an official. When asked about the eviction drive, they said they would resume it after the local body elections.
