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.