Encroachments demolished along Girivalam path in Tiruvannamalai

In Tiruvannamalai town, encroachments near the Arunachaleshwarar temple along the Girivalam path have been demolished to enhance safety for pedestrians. The State Highways officials executed the demolition work in collaboration with local police along the 14-km Girivalam path. Most of the encroachments, primarily houses and small shops, had been built over many years, particularly towards Chengam Road. These structures were often extensions of commercial establishments.

Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), State Highways (Tiruvannamalai), S. Anbarasu, informed The Hindu that the illegal construction, including petty shops and push carts, not only disrupted traffic flow but also reduced road space for pedestrians, who were compelled to walk on the carriageway, posing a significant safety risk. The primary objective of the demolition drive was to restore the original width of the path encircling the temple.

The encroachments obstructed the free flow of excess rainwater during monsoon, leading to waterlogging issues. Each section around the temple should have a dedicated footpath with barricades for pedestrians, while roadside shops should be allotted separate space rather than encroaching on the carriageway, as per G. Pavitra, a resident.

Out of the total 14 km stretch, identified encroachments were demolished up to a distance of five km along the path. These encroachments had also reduced the total width of the carriageway by half. This stretch, which connects other key streets in the town, has been utilized to draw the temple car during the Karthigai Deepam festival annually.

To ensure devotees' safety, overhead cables, including Tangedco power lines and internet cables, were replaced with underground cables. Additionally, tiled footpaths were laid to provide more road space for pedestrians.