The Thrissur Corporation has started an eviction drive against the roadside vendors at Sathan Nagar and Pattalam Road.

The
crackdown started following a decision by the corporation council
convened on February 16 for the immediate removal of illegal
encroachments in the city.

The Mayor had given
instruction to the corporation secretary to evict the encroachments
within seven days. The illegal encroachments were not only causing
inconvenience to pedestrians but also resulting in traffic jams in many
areas.

Following strict orders from the corporation
secretary, many pavement sellers had vacated their shops. According to
the corporation officials, almost 90 per cent of the encroachers have
already vacated. Remaining shops will be evicted soon. Six lorries, two
JCBs and sufficient workers have been deployed for the purpose, said R.
Lalu, Corporation Secretary. The eviction drive is being done jointly by
engineering, health and revenue departments. The City Police
Commissioner has extended all support, the Secretary added.

Meanwhile,
there were protests against eviction of pavement sellers without
providing rehabilitation package. Though leaders including P.C. Chacko
MP had earlier promised to protect them, nothing has been done so far,
the protesters alleged. They pointed out that while the corporation
officials take strict action against the pavement vendors, it was
ignoring the encroachments made by big business groups.

There
is also a demand to check parking violations in all the buildings in
the city where sanctions have been given for provision of parking
spaces.