Residents urge officials to remove encroachments on Saramedu Road in Coimbatore

COIMBATORE: Residents have requested the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation and the district administration to remove more than 200 encroachments on the Saramedu Road in Karumbukadai area. They alleged that the width of the 60-foot road was reduced to 20 feet due to encroachments. Despite it being earmarked for removal, there was no swift action from officials, they alleged.

The Karumbukadai -Saramedu Area Association earlier this week submitted a petition to the corporation commissioner and the district collector requesting the eviction of the encroachers. Members of at least 20 residents' welfare associations have raised concerns. This stretch covers places like Aanandam Nagar, Jeevan Park Avenue, Gandhinagar, JJ Garden, Metrocity, Breeze Avenue and Classic City. The area falls under wards 62,84 and 86.

Moideen Abdul Kadar, a member of the association, listed a series of issues, including traffic congestion, increased risk of accidents and inaccessibility of essential services including ambulances.

Kadar said, "Most of the encroachments are commercial establishments in a stretch of two kilometres. Steps were taken to clear these encroachments five years ago. The corporation succeeded in evicting encroachers in only 500 metres. Over the years, with an increasing population, congestion has increased. The road width has been reduced due to shops, temporary structures, and illegal vehicle parking on both sides of the road. As a result, bigger vehicles like trucks can’t travel on the road."

Ibrahim, a resident of the area, said, "It has become a challenge to commute in the peak hours, and most often children get delayed due to the congestion."

Kabir Ahmed, councillor of Ward 86, said corporation officials arrived on Tuesday to measure the area and make arrangements to remove the encroachments. He said, "These encroachers were provided with patta during the previous AIADMK rule, which has now become a huge hindrance.”