Residents urge GCC to remove encroachments in congested Chennai areas
T. Nagar residents have called for the removal of roadside obstructions following a Madras High Court directive to the Greater Chennai Corporation.
Residents in commercial areas such as T. Nagar have requested the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to clear encroachments on congested roads, according to The Hindu.
The Madras High Court recently instructed the GCC to ensure pedestrians have walkable footpaths and to remove encroachments according to existing statutes and rules. The court has asked for an action taken report by December 10.
T. Nagar resident V.S. Jayaraman said that encroachments exist along Usman Road and Rameswaram Road.
He alleged that Ranganathan Street is entirely encroached upon by hawkers, vendors, shops, and commercial establishments that have space within their own premises.
Jayaraman stated that the extension of the Usman Road flyover towards CIT Nagar has shrunk service lane space, yet vendors continue to prevent free movement. He said the skywalk has failed to reduce crowds on Ranganathan Street.
Residents have also asked for the restoration of a lane connecting Ranganathan Street and Natesan Street, which they say currently serves as a dump yard for commercial complexes. They claim the GCC has not acted despite several complaints.
Ward 104 councillor T.V. Shemmozhi noted that encroachments in Anna Nagar Second Avenue have also increased, which is affecting pedestrian movement on that stretch.