Residents seek regular monitoring as Puducherry launches eviction drive with onset of monsoon

The District Administration’s ongoing anti-encroachment drive in Puducherry has renewed hope of reclaiming pedestrian space, with residents calling for regular monitoring to prevent cleared footpaths and public roads from being occupied again.

On October 15, the Administration had launched a month-long drive against encroachments within the jurisdiction of the Puducherry and Oulgaret Municipalities. The drive followed a meeting chaired by the District Collector, A. Kulothungan to review encroachments and unauthorised use of public spaces.

The meeting directed officials from the Traffic Police, Public Works Department, local bodies and the Revenue Department to remove roadside encroachments that inconvenience the public, banners and cut-outs erected in public places without approval, and vehicle rental outlets and autorickshaw stands functioning without the necessary permission.

According to a municipal official, “Many shops and houses had encroached upon the platforms up to the end of the road, causing traffic congestion in the area. The extended platforms ranging from one to three feet had encroached on drainage canals, obstructing the flow of sewage. Almost all shops and houses had platforms protruding towards the municipal road. A few shops had erected unauthorised structures such as shelters, banners, and signboards on their own, forcing pedestrians to walk on the carriageway.”

“A detailed schedule for conducting the eviction drive in 40 places - both urban and rural - has been issued by the Collector. We have carried out the drive after intimating the owners and these illegal structures were either causing obstruction to free movement of pedestrians or vehicles. The drive will continue till November 6,” an official said.

With the drive now under way in view of the onset of monsoon, the administration has reiterated that those concerned should act voluntarily rather than wait for officials to intervene. The exercise will proceed in accordance with the notified area-wise schedule, covering roadside encroachments, unapproved publicity materials, and unauthorised vehicle-related establishments in the locations identified for action, the official added.

According to D. Jayaseelan, a resident of Odiansalai, “With the onset of the monsoon, these obstructions are taking up valuable road space, disrupting traffic and making it difficult for pedestrians to move safely. When rainwater accumulates along the road margins, people are forced to walk closer to moving vehicles, while motorists have less room to manoeuvre. The authorities must clear the obstructions and ensure that roadsides and stormwater drains remain free of blockages. A one-time clearance drive during the monsoon is not enough; sustained monitoring and follow-up action are needed to ensure that the rules are not violated.”