Encroachments demolished on Ambur-Pernambut main road

Encroachments demolished on Ambur-Pernambut Main Road to restore road space for safety and traffic flow.

Encroachments, mostly houses and petty shops, were demolished on both sides of Ambur - Pernambut Main Road near Ambur town as part of restoration of its original road space to ensure safety of motorists.

Officials of State Highways said that along with revenue officials and local police, the massive exercise was taken up on the route. Most of the encroachments, around 160 structures, on these stretches were built more than two decades ago. The drive was carried out between Devalapuram and Kadambur villages, a distance of around 3 km on the stretch.

The razed structures are mostly extensions of houses and commercial establishments that have been built on the existing narrow drain on these stretches. “Illegal construction on the key stretch has affected traffic movement, especially ambulances on the route. The demolition exercise is aimed at providing more road space for motorists and to prevent accidents especially during night,” S. Baburaj, Assistant Engineer (AE), State Highways (Ambur), told The Hindu.

Officials said that demolition drive was also meant to restore the original width of the existing stretch. The encroachments blocked free flow of excess rainwater on old narrow drains. It has resulted in waterlogging in towns. “After many years, the demolition drive has been taken up following repeated requests by residents. More road space will help free flow of traffic. Additional safety measures should be taken to prevent rash driving,” said B. Pari, a motorist.

Highways officials said the drive helped restore the original width of 40 feet as against the existing width of 20 ft. The stretch is a lifeline for residents, farmers, traders as it connects key areas like Pernambut, Gudiyatham Ambur, Vaniyambadi, Pallikonda and Katpadi with Chittoor. It also provides quick access to bus terminus, railway stations, hospitals, banks, market and schools. 

As part of restoration, adequate safety measures like blinkers, reflectors, steel railings will be installed in the coming days. Speed breakers will also be built to prevent accidents. Existing storm water drain will be widened to discharge excess rainwater during monsoon. Defunct electrical street lights will be replaced with new ones, officials said.