Encroachments demolished along Girivalam path in Tiruvannamalai

Encroachments, mostly houses and petty shops, were demolished near Arunachaleshwarar temple along the Girivalam path in Tiruvannamalai town to ensure safety of pedestrians.

Officials of State Highways, which executed the work, said that along with the local police, demolition of encroachments was done along the 14-km Girivalam path.

Most of the encroachments on the path, especially towards Chengam Road, were built many years ago. The razed structures are mostly extensions of shops and commercial establishments. “Illegal construction, especially petty shops and push carts, have not only affected traffic movement, but it also reduced road space for pedestrians, who were forced to walk on the carriageway, risking their lives,” S. Anbarasu, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), State Highways (Tiruvannamalai), told The Hindu.

Officials said that the demolition drive was also meant to restore the original width of the path around the temple. The encroachments blocked free flow of excess rainwater on old narrow drains during monsoon, resulting in waterlogging.

“Each stretch around the temple should have a dedicated footpath with barricades for pedestrians. Roadside shops should be given separate space rather than encroaching carriageways,” said G. Pavitra, a resident.

Of the total distance of 14 km, identified encroachments were demolished to a distance of five km along the path. Encroachments had also reduced the total width of the carriageway by half. The stretch, which connects other key streets in town, has been used to pull the temple car during the Karthigai Deepam festival every year.

Highways officials said that as part of ensuring safety of devotees, overhead cables, including Tangedco power lines and internet cables, were replaced with underground cables. Tiled footpaths were also laid to provide more road space for pedestrians.