Temple takes up road space, officials dither

CHENNAI: Civic authorities are having a hard time clearing an illegal 20-ft encroachment by a temple on 80-feet Bazaar Road in Mogappair. The temple, which housed only a Vinayaka idol about a decade ago, has since expanded to a 10x15 enclosure built of coated steel sheets. The temple has Metrowater and power connections. They have installed CCTV cameras too.
Residents and shopkeepers said the autorickshaw drivers who managed the temple had the protection of politicians. Civic authorities were hesitant to act on the violation due to pressure from politicians, said a resident requesting anonymity. The encroachment has cramped the busy road near the Madras Medical Mission hospital.
For Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations recently, the autorickshaw drivers had erected a pandal near the temple, further increasing congestion. A part of the pandal was removed after civic officials intervened.
The structure protruding from the pavement to the middle of the road had slowed down traffic. Drivers from the Thangam auto stand perform puja and distribute 'prasadam' to businessmen and residents who come to the temple. One of them said they ensured that the public was not inconvenienced by the encroachment.
S Ponnuthai, owner of a commercial complex on Bazaar Road, said, "The encroachment has blocked the passageway to my building. I have made repeated complaints to civic authorities in the past year, but no action has been taken."
Civic authorities said they had inspected the encroachment and action would be taken soon. An official said, "Senior officials will visit the road soon and decide what needs to be done."