Hawkers, street stalls along Kattakkara Road evicted

KOCHI: The city corporation authorities evicted illegal makeshift shops along the narrow Kattakkara road on Tuesday. The drive started after the vendors failed to move even after notices were served. The eviction  carried out under police protection was peaceful as the vendors didn’t protest.

“The corporation has not given permission for any of the shops on the road. The land is owned by a private individual who sought the civic body’s help to evict the encroachers. There are plans to widen the road after the eviction,” said mayor Tony Chammany.

A team of civic officials supervised the drive during which a couple of fish stalls, tea shops and a shop selling electrical fittings were removed.

Earlier, division councillor Gracy Joseph had urged the Mayor to evict the vendors as the illegal stalls caused  regular traffic congestion in the area. Once it is widened, the Kattakkara road, connecting Azad road and Kaloor – Kathrikadavu road will be decongested.

Extensive encroachment of narrow city roads is a major problem faced by the civic authorities. Though the town planning department had earlier removed the unauthorised fish stalls set up near the Kathrikadavu bridge, the vendors again came up with makeshift shops in the area.