Residents of V. Manickampatti village near Melur submitted petitions at the Madurai Collector’s office on Monday, alleging a land encroachment blocking vital access paths and the lack of roads to 25 government-allotted houses.
Mr. KalaiPerumal claimed a neighbour illegally occupied 38 cents of family land, obstructing community pathways despite taluk office promises of intervention that went unfulfilled after a year due to alleged supporter pressure.
Mrs. Anandajothi stressed how the absence of proper roads prevents children from reaching school, blocks bus services from Melur, and forces detours via South Street or Thiruvathur, exacerbating farming families’ economic struggles. With 20 prior petitions ignored, residents fear escalating disputes from fenced paths and construction debris placed by local groups, urging field inspections, pathway restoration, and legal action against encroachers.
Published – December 15, 2025 08:14 pm IST
