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In a decisive move to alleviate traffic congestion and advance urban infrastructure, the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) initiated the eviction of over ten commercial establishments encroaching upon Dr. Rajendraprasad Road adjacent to the Sanganoor Canal. This action is part of a long-delayed road widening project aimed at expanding the thoroughfare to 100 feet, thereby improving connectivity between Sathyamangalam Road and Avinashi Road. While commercial evictions are underway, residential structures are slated for removal only after alternative housing is secured through the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board. The broader initiative includes a proposed INR 235 crore second phase to rejuvenate the canal and enhance urban mobility.
The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) has embarked on an assertive campaign to remove over ten commercial establishments that have encroached upon Dr. Rajendraprasad Road alongside the Sanganoor Canal. This eviction drive is a critical component of a protracted road widening scheme, pending for five years, intended to expand the corridor to 100 feet and mitigate persistent traffic bottlenecks between Sathyamangalam Road and Avinashi Road. Advertisement
Initially scheduled for earlier this week, the eviction process faced delays due to heavy rainfall, which necessitated the redeployment of corporation workers to address rain-related emergencies. Nevertheless, the CCMC has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the evictions within the current week. Second eviction notices were dispatched to the concerned commercial entities approximately ten days prior, underscoring the urgency of the operation.
In contrast, residential encroachments along the canal are being approached with a degree of leniency. The CCMC has indicated that these will not be demolished until suitable alternative accommodations are arranged through the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board. Approximately 80 houses have been identified for potential relocation, with formal communications to the board forthcoming.
The Sanganoor Canal, stretching over 11 kilometers through Coimbatore, has suffered from extensive encroachments, with over 3,000 unauthorized structures identified along its banks. The initial phase of the canal's rejuvenation, launched in November 2021 at a cost of INR 49 crore, focused on a 2.3-kilometer segment and included the construction of gabion walls, pedestrian pathways, and reinforced concrete bunds. However, progress has been impeded by the complexities of relocating affected residents and businesses.
To expedite the project's advancement, the CCMC has submitted a proposal seeking INR 235 crore for the second phase, which aims to extend improvements over an additional 8.6 kilometers, connecting Mettupalayam Road to Trichy Road via Sathyamangalam and Avinashi Roads. This phase is anticipated to alleviate traffic congestion by up to 12% and enhance urban connectivity.
K. Kathirmathiyon, Secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, who has been advocating for the canal's restoration since 2020, expressed approval of the recent developments. He noted that previous delays were largely due to the relocation of overhead electricity lines underground, which had allowed encroachments to persist. With these obstacles addressed, he emphasized the necessity of widening the road and modifying the canal to fully resolve the area's traffic issues.
By balancing infrastructural enhancements with social considerations, such as the provision of alternative housing for displaced residents, the corporation demonstrates a commitment to equitable progress. The successful execution of the canal's rejuvenation and the associated road widening project holds the promise of not only easing traffic congestion but also revitalizing a vital urban waterway, thereby contributing to the city's long-term environmental and economic well-being.
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