Encroachers on the banks of Tiruchengode pond evicted

NAMAKKAL: Officials of the Tiruchengode municipality on Thursday evicted encroachers on the banks of a pond on the Erode road. The pond belongs to the civic body. Municipal authorities demolished three houses and a shop. People who were evicted from Theppakkulakarai alleged that the municipal authorities had not given them prior notice before launching the eviction drive. More than 40 families had constructed homes on the banks of the pond and had been living there. They were offered an alternative location three years ago, and most of them moved to the new location. However, a few people chose not to vacate and continued their legal battle in court. In July, the Madras high court directed the Tiruchengode municipal administration to evict the remaining encroachers. On Thursday, the officials conducted the eviction drive in collaboration with police and fire and rescue services personnel. The evicted people staged a road blockade on the Tiruchengode- Erode Road. Police tried to pacify the protesters. However, the protesters asserted that the officials had started evicting them without prior notice. Officials said they had already sent notices to the encroachers.