Encroachments have become a common sight with shops occupying the pavements on Anna Salai near Raja Theatre junction in Puducherry.
| Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO
The District Administration will launch a month-long drive starting, October 15, to remove all types of illegal occupation, including autorickshaw stands from unauthorised locations, two-wheeler rental shops functioning without permission and all encroachments, from the streets of Puducherry.
District Collector A. Kulothungan has issued a direction to the officials of the Municipalities, Commune Panchayats and Revenue Department to remove all encroachments from public places. He had recently convened a meeting of officers concerned to discuss the eviction drive.
Complaints received
Mr. Kulothungan told The Hindu that his office had received several complaints from residents about the functioning of illegal autorickshaw-stands. The residents also complained about the difficulties they faced because of the parking of autorickshaws in non-designated locations. The officers have been directed to remove illegal two-wheeler rental shops, mostly functioning on the pavements in the town.
“As far the unauthorised auto-stands are concerned, we have asked the Commissioners to take action on those functioning without permit. Some residents have complained about the hardships they face even to open their gates because of unauthorised parking of autorickshaws,” he said.
The Transport Department had issued around 38 permits for two-wheeler rental business by stipulating the number of bikes the licensees could operate. The Municipalities have been asked to check the functioning of outlets offering two-wheeler rentals. Rental units operating without permit would be removed, he said.
“We have already started removing the cut-outs and banners. The month-long drive will include removal of advertisement boards kept illegally on the pavements,” he said.
A release from the District Collectorate said the eviction drive would start simultaneously on Mission Street – S.V. Patel Salai Junction to Busy Street Junction and East Car Street in the sub-urban area of Villianur on October 15 morning.
The eviction drive would continue in the coming days to cover several areas in the town including, M.G Road – Muthialpet Market to Ajantha Junction, M.G Road – Ajantha Junction to Busy Street, Airport Road to Navalar Road Junction, Gingee Salai, Rajiv Gandhi square to Maduvapet, Ambour Salai, Ambalathadayar Street, Anna Salai, Aurobindo Street and Needarajapayar Street, the release said.
Published – October 10, 2026 09:01 pm IST
