Residents demand demolition of encroachments on pathway, hold protest

Residents of Ramdass Nagar blocked Arakkonam – Sholinghur main road (SH 61A)  on Saturday, demanding demolition of encroachments on a common pathway. They also demanded an access road to reach public facilities such as bus terminus and a railway station in Arakkonam town.

Residents said that Ramdass Nagar forms part of Kainoor village panchayat. The residential area is surrounded by Winterpet, Ambedkar Nagar, and Jothinagar.

“We have been using a common pathway in the area for many years to reach central parts of the town, and to access public facilities such as banks, hospitals, and a bus terminus. Demolition of encroachments on the pathway will help us,” said Y. Vinoth, a resident.

Residents said that encroachments, mostly houses, have blocked the pathway.

They said that the pathway was also completely closed after a resident on the pathway erected fencing on one portion of the stretch. As a result, residents had to take a detour of three km to reach Ramdass Nagar and surrounding areas. Students, farmers, senior citizens, and traders were affected due to encroachments on the pathway.

Repeated complaints were made to panchayat officials, but no action was taken. Around 9 a.m, residents blocked the stretch, demanding demolition of encroachments.

Arakkonam town police and revenue officials pacified agitated residents, who dispersed after assurance of action from authorities. Panchayat officials said a detailed survey of the pathway would be done to assess availability of government land.

Accordingly, an estimate would be prepared for building a new stretch that will connect Ramdass Nagar with Arakkonam – Sholinghur main road. Panchayat officials said that District Collector N. Priya Ravichandran would be informed of the need to demolish encroachments on the pathway and to retrieve government land for formation of a new stretch in the hamlet.