GCC clears encroachments on key city stretches in Chennai

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has begun a large-scale drive to remove encroachments on key stretches across the city. The operation targets footpaths, road margins, and public spaces that have been illegally occupied by vendors, parked vehicles, and temporary structures.

Focus on arterial roads

GCC teams moved into several major corridors early on Sunday. These include stretches on Anna Salai, Mount Road, and parts of the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR). Officials say the drive will extend to other busy areas in the coming days.

The corporation has identified over 50 locations where encroachments have narrowed roads and forced pedestrians onto traffic lanes. In many spots, hawkers had set up permanent stalls on pavements, leaving little room for walkers.

Removal process and warnings

Civic workers, accompanied by police personnel, dismantled makeshift shops and cleared illegally parked two-wheelers and autorickshaws. The GCC had issued notices to encroachers a week ago, asking them to vacate voluntarily.

“We gave sufficient time for people to remove their belongings. Those who did not comply faced action today,” a senior GCC official said. The corporation has also warned that any re-encroachment will lead to immediate seizure of goods and fines.

Residents and commuters react

Many residents welcomed the move. “Footpaths on these roads had become unusable. We had to walk on the road, which was dangerous,” said R. Sridhar, a commuter near Saidapet. Others expressed concern about the lack of alternative spaces for street vendors who depend on daily earnings.

The GCC has stated that it will identify designated vending zones in consultation with local traders' associations. Until then, vendors have been asked to operate from markets and notified areas.

Broader impact on traffic and safety

The drive is expected to reduce congestion on several key stretches. Narrowed roads due to encroachments had forced vehicles to slow down, leading to longer travel times during peak hours. Clearing these spaces will also make way for better pedestrian infrastructure, including new footpaths and streetlights.

The corporation has linked this operation to its larger city beautification project, which includes painting road dividers, planting saplings, and installing public art. However, officials have not yet specified a timeline for completing the clearance across all targeted zones.

For now, GCC teams will continue their work through the week, focusing on areas with the highest density of encroachments. Repeat offenders could face legal action under the Chennai City Municipal Corporation Act.

The success of the drive will depend on sustained enforcement and cooperation from local businesses and residents. The GCC has promised to review progress in a fortnight and adjust its strategy if needed.