Frustrated citizens in Coimbatore have launched a strong appeal to the city's municipal corporation and district administration, demanding the immediate removal of more than 200 illegal encroachments plaguing Saramedu Road in the Karumbukadai locality. They assert that these unauthorized structures have drastically reduced the road's width, creating a daily nightmare for commuters and residents alike.
Petition Highlights Severe Road Shrinkage and Public Hazard
The collective voice of the community was formally presented earlier this week when the Karumbukadai-Saramedu Area Association submitted a detailed petition to both the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation commissioner and the district collector. The petition calls for the urgent eviction of encroachers who have illegally occupied public space. This initiative has garnered support from members of at least 20 different residents' welfare associations, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem.
The affected stretch is a critical artery connecting several residential areas, including Aanandam Nagar, Jeevan Park Avenue, Gandhinagar, JJ Garden, Metrocity, Breeze Avenue, and Classic City. Administratively, the area falls under wards 62, 84, and 86 of the corporation.
Residents Detail Daily Struggles and Safety Risks
Moideen Abdul Kadar, an active member of the association, outlined a grim list of consequences stemming from the encroachments. "Most of the encroachments are commercial establishments spread across a two-kilometre stretch," he explained. He revealed that while some action was taken about five years ago, it only succeeded in clearing encroachments along a mere 500 metres. Since then, the situation has worsened with rising population density.
"The road width has been reduced due to shops, temporary structures, and illegal vehicle parking on both sides," Moideen stated. This severe narrowing has made it impossible for larger vehicles, including trucks and, critically, ambulances, to navigate the road safely. The resulting traffic congestion has significantly increased the risk of accidents, turning every commute into a hazardous ordeal.
Echoing these concerns, Ibrahim, a local resident, pointed out the impact on daily life, especially for families. "It has become a challenge to commute during peak hours, and most often children get delayed reaching school or home due to the unbearable congestion," he said.
Political History and Recent Official Movement
Kabir Ahmed, the councillor representing Ward 86, provided crucial context to the persistence of the issue. He indicated that "these encroachers were provided with patta (land deed) during the previous AIADMK rule, which has now become a huge hindrance." This historical complication has made the removal process more challenging for current authorities.
However, there appears to be a glimmer of hope. Councillor Kabir Ahmed confirmed that corporation officials visited the site on Tuesday to conduct measurements and begin arrangements for the removal of the encroachments. This move suggests that the sustained pressure from residents' groups may finally be prompting concrete action from the civic body.
The community's fight underscores a common urban challenge in rapidly growing cities: the battle for public space. The residents of Karumbukadai are now watching closely to see if their petitions will translate into swift and decisive action to reclaim their road and restore safe, accessible passage for all.
