The Hindu 05.11.2009
Corporation removes encroachments
Staff Reporter
| 30 staff members, 5 lorries, one earthmover used |
CHENNAI: The Chennai Corporation removed encroachments on Keerai Thottam in the Adyar River at Saidapet on Wednesday.
Mayor M.Subramanian said about 60 grounds of land on the riverbed had been encroached upon and it blocked the free flow of water. Citing Revenue Department records, he said that they show that in 1962 the lands were marked as portion of river and not as ‘patta’ lands. Measures would be taken to cancel the ‘pattas’ given.
A total of 30 Corporation staff members, five lorries and an earthmover were used to remove encroachments. In a few days, the bunds created by the cultivators of greens would also be removed, he said.
The initiative was taken along with the Public Works Department and Revenue Department. Officials of the PWD said the width of the river near the Maraimalai Adigal bridge, which was 110 m, was reduced to 50 m because of the encroachment. The removal of encroachments would help in increasing the capacity of the river to almost its original 60,000 cubic feet per second at the stretch.
The encroachment was one of the main causes for flooding in Jothiammal Nagar, Thideer Nagar and Rathna Thottam during monsoon, the official said.
Similarly, about 20 structures obstructing free flow of water in Virugambakkam Canal were also cleared. Desilting of watercourses would be continued till the end of the northeast monsoon. Blocks along the watercourses would be removed wherever necessary, the official said.
