The Hindu           14.10.2014 

Encroachments razed down

For public welfare:Encroachments being removed near Mattuthavani flower market in Madurai on Monday.— Photo: R. Ashok

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.