An unauthorised structure put up by fish merchants along the road near Karaparamba in Kozhikode. | Photo Credit: S_RAMESHKURUP more-in Noticing an increase in attempts to encroach upon revenue land along city roads for commercial purposes, the Public Works Department (PWD) is planning to conduct an eviction drive after serving notices on suspected encroachers. Those who have illegally occupied small portions of revenue land along major roads include vendors, fish merchants, mechanics, and junk dealers. They will be given two weeks’ time to voluntarily vacate the land or remove structures erected there. At the end of two weeks, PWD squads will clear such spaces and the expenses for the same will be recovered from those concerned, besides initiating legal action against them. The encroachments have turned a big obstacle to safe vehicular traffic and pedestrian movement. Freak accidents too are on the rise as a result of poor visibility. In the first phase, the drive will be undertaken in Kozhikode North, Kozhikode South and Kunnamangalam Assembly constituencies. Illegal banners, posters, billboards, and hoardings will also be removed. The public may bring to the notice of the authorities details of illegal hoardings along the road or of encroachments on government property. “Fish outlets are the biggest hurdles along city roads these days, and no action has been initiated to discourage the practice. As most fish traders enjoy good patronage, they occupy the spot permanently,” says Anand Krishnan, a resident of Mokavoor. A hotel entrepreneur from East Hill says the presence of illegal traders on roadsides is affecting the business of authorised merchants. PWD sources say they had carried out similar clearing drives in other parts of the district following complaints from the public.

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