Officials on their toes to evict encroachments in front of Tiruppur North and South Uzhavar Sandhais

Officials of the Departments of Revenue, Police, Highways and Tiruppur City Municipal Corporation are apparently on their toes to prevent vendors from occupying the entrances of Tiruppur North and Tiruppur South Uzhavar Sandhais.

The vendors were issued notices and asked to vacate with a warning of the consequences they would have to face if they encroach the space again.

Earlier this month, farmers in the Uzhavar Sandhais put on hold their boycott plan after assurances were given by the authorities that the encroachers will be evicted. The farmers had cautioned that they would be holding protests by scattering vegetables on the roads

According to the farmers who sell their produce directly at the Uzhavar Sandhais, full-time vegetable vendors usually enjoy the cost advantage as they procure vegetables and fruits from across the State where the prices were low. Due to this, the public patronage goes down, the farmers complain.

The problem exists not only along Palladam Road in front of the Tiruppur South Uzhavar Sandhai and along Perumanallur Road in front of Tiruppur North Uzhavar Sandhai, but also in Dharapuram and Udumalpet, according to the officials working for a solution.

The farmers have been demanding a lasting solution to the issue as the initiative is meant to ensure reasonable returns for the farmers without the involvement of middlemen.

In the past, the officials had tried to specify different timings for the vegetable vendors to conduct business, but the idea did not work out. This time around, the authorities believe the strict warnings issued to the vegetable vendors will work in favour of the farmers.

On an average, 88 to 90 tonnes of vegetables and fruits are sold every day at the Tiruppur South Uzhavar Sandhai. At Tiruppur North, the daily sale is to the extent of 30 to 40 tonnes, Deputy Director of Agricultural Marketing and Agri Business, Venkatachalam, said.

The reasoning of the farmers is that the business transacted by them would rise even further if the vegetable vendors are evicted on a permanent basis.