KOCHI: The Kochi Corporation will form special squads to keep a tab on encroachments on footpaths and streets. The squad, led by the Town Planning Officer, will conduct routine inspections every week and evict encroachers on the spot. Mayor Tony Chammany said the civic body would take necessary steps to prevent encroachments on city roads and stringent action would be taken against violators. “We will seek police help to evict encroachments. More focus will be given to the Fort Kochi area, which is one of the major heritage zones in the state,” he said.As part of the initiative, the Corporation officials had evicted vendors from Shanmugham Road and Park Avenue Road. It was with the assistance of the Police and Fire and Rescue Services that the Corporation carried out the drive.The Mayor said the Corporation would speed up measures to maintain the heritage glory of Fort Kochi and Mattanchery. “The Fort Kochi-Mattanchery Heritage Zone project will be implemented within the stipulated time,” he added.Meanwhile, the Merchants Union and other trade unions have started protests measures against the Corporation initiative.The trade union leaders alleged that the Corporation was acting tough against small-scale vendors, but turning a blind eye towards the large-scale encroachments by certain commercial establishments. “The authorities spare hotels and commercial establishments that encroached on the majority of the public space,” they alleged. They added that the Revenue Department was also supporting the encroachments. The trade union leaders also urged the Corporation authorities to rehabilitate the street vendors evicted as part of the drive. “The majority of them do not have any other means to live. So, the civic body should consider their demand for a rehabilitation facility,” they added.
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