Encroachments and illegal parking on anna nagar pavements cause chaos for pedestrians and residents.

Status: cleared
Chennai: Street vendors and commercial buildings have completely taken over the pavements on both sides of Anna Nagar 3rd Avenue. Over 20 autos, 50 bikes, and several cars remain parked on the pavements for at least three to four hours every day, residents say.
During peak hours, the situation is worse as traffic chaos affects motorists and pedestrians. The 2 km drive on the stretch leading to New Avadi Road takes up to 20 minutes during the evening rush hour. Footpaths on First Avenue and Second Main Road near Valliammal College are blocked by automobile showrooms, shops, and street vendors. Areas near Metro stations are worse, with vehicles parked in a disorderly manner.
“Over the past six months, the encroachment doubled compared to previous years,” said G Nandakumar, a senior citizen and a resident of Anna Nagar 3rd Avenue. “Earlier, customers parked their vehicles at the allotted parking space near the shop. Now, vehicles are parked on the pavement and on the road,” he said. The traffic police were notified about the menace, but they never responded or took any actions towards it, he added.

FOARA (Federation of Anna Nagar Association) Vice-President V Sandhya said officials did not attend to their complaint. “Now encroachments have grown into a larger menace. It is sad to see Anna Nagar like this,” she said. “At least now, actions must be taken to remove the encroachments at the earliest,” she added.
Councillor of ward 103, Pushpalatha Jaisankar, said encroachers keep coming back to the place even after repeated instructions by the GCC. “We must have a permanent solution to remove hawkers. I will discuss this with zonal officers soon,” she said.
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