Congested Pattalam market cleared of encroachments

Chennai: Bringing respite to motorists and pedestrians, Chennai city traffic police are now targeting market areas in Chennai known for their encroachments and extended shops. After clearing encroachments in the congested Parry's and Pudupet market areas last week, police and corporation officials  removed encroachments in Pattalam market on Thursday and took steps to widen the approach roads in the congested locality. Tension prevailed in the locality for more than two hours and traders initially blocked the authorities from executing eviction. A large police contingent was brought in to clear the encroachments.

According to city corporation sources, more than 50 shops and makeshift encroachments were cleared and a few buildings razed down as they were illegally eating into road space. There is a proposal to widen the roads surrounding Pattalam and last year, the adjacent locality was cleared from encroachments. More evictions are awaited in north Chennai, sources said.
 Encroachment is a serious issue in north Chennai and all market areas in Chennai suffer encroachments. Pattalam and Pulianthope will now breathe easy as the encroachments are cleared. At the same time the authorities should ensure that the illegal structures do not return, said social activist V Sathiabalan of Pattalam. 

However, Mint street in Sowcarpet, Ritchie street in Chintadripet and Shanmuga road in Tambaram continue to be choked due to encroachments and parked vehicles. “Tambaram market and Radio market in Chindatripet need a massive eviction drive and the local bodies should be blamed for the illegal structures,” said D. Vijayakumar a resident of Tambaram.