Encroachments removed to provide easy access to Government Higher Secondary School in Pernambut

Officials in Pernambut, near Gudiyatham town in Vellore, have demolished encroachments along Iyengar Road to create easier access to the Government Higher Secondary School on the stretch. The demolition, carried out by Pernambut municipality officials, targeted most of the 60 illegal structures, many of which had been built over a decade ago.

These structures, mostly extensions of existing shops and commercial establishments, had reduced the road's total width from 40 feet to just 20 feet. The drive was aimed at improving traffic flow, particularly for emergency vehicles like ambulances, and ensuring pedestrian safety, especially for students attending the government school which serves students from at least 10 surrounding villages.

The municipality received petitions from residents requesting the removal of encroachments to restore the original road width. Notices were served to the encroachers in accordance with a court order, and affected families were offered alternative land of three cents per family. The removed encroachments, mostly concrete structures, had obstructed the free flow of rainwater during monsoons, causing waterlogging in the town.

The restored width of 40 feet will now allow safe access to key areas such as Gudiyatham, Ambur, Pallikonda, Katpadi, and the bus terminus, hospitals, banks, and the market. Safety measures like blinkers, reflectors, and steel railings will be installed soon, along with speed breakers to prevent accidents.