Encroachments demolished on Ismalaiya College Road in Vaniyambadi to provide easy access for students

Highways Department officials said that the drive was based on the directions of Collector V. Nallasivan on the basis of petitions from residents.

Encroachments, mostly houses and petty shops, were demolished on Islamiya College Road in Vaniyambadi town in Tirupattur on Thursday to provide easy access for students in the area, bringing relief to motorists and pedestrians.

Officials of State Highways, which executed the work, said that most of the 40 encroachments on the stretch were built more than a decade ago. These structures are mostly extensions of existing shops and commercial establishments that reduced the total road space on the stretch. “Such extensions of buildings have affected traffic movement, especially ambulances and other vehicles, on the stretch. The drive was aimed at the safety of pedestrians, especially students, and to provide more road space for vehicles,” K. Baburaj, Assistant Engineer (AE), State Highways (Vaniyambadi), told The Hindu.

Highways Department officials said that the drive was based on the directions of Collector V. Nallasivan on the basis of petitions from residents.

Notices were served to those who occupied the stretch a fortnight ago. “The stretch is home to at least four schools, a college and a few government offices. Pedestrians, especially students, found it difficult to use the stretch due to encroachments. The demolition drive is a welcome measure,” said R. Mahesh, a motorist.

Officials said that the demolition drive was also meant to restore the existing stormwater drain on the route, as most of the encroachments were built on it. The encroachments, mostly concrete structures, blocked the free flow of excess rainwater during the monsoon. It has resulted in waterlogging in the town. Drains help to discharge excess rainwater from stormwater drains in the town to the Palar River. “Adequate safety measures such as blinkers, reflectors, and steel railings will be installed in the coming weeks. Speed breakers will also be built to prevent accidents,” a Highways’ official said.