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Chennai, 7 October (IANS) Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has introduced a new standard operating process (SOP) that aims to clean the footpath encroachments and make a pedestrian movement to safe and smooth across the city.
The instruction issued by the Chief Engineer (General) applies to all 15 areas and attempts to standardize the eviction process by improving accountability between the officials of the region.
Under the SOP, assistant engineers in every division should identify and document all types of encroachments on the footpaths – including permanent structures, shop extensions and temporary sellers – and submit details to their respective assistant executive engineers.
AEES has been directed to ensure that the identified encroachments are removed the next day, the delay is abolished and the front congestion on the busy parts is prevented.
The new guidelines require assistant engineers to compile detailed expulsion lists, except for the designated vending zone, and share them with AEES for zone-wise planning.
For those occupying public routes, eviction notices should be served at least one day before. Where police protection is required to manage large congestion or potential resistance, AEES is directed to coordinate with local police stations to conduct operations smoothly and safely. After removing the encroachments, the authorities have to upload the GCC app before the photographs because as proof of action.
The debris and other waste materials should be immediately cleaned and sent to the Kodustyur or Perungudi dump yard to avoid secondary barriers.
The SOP also emphasizes the need for continuous follow -up inspections to prevent hesitation again.
Officials have been warned that any lapse will be treated seriously in implementing these instructions. While the move is expected to restore footpaths for pedestrians and improve road discipline, concerns have arisen about the impact on informal vendors.
Representatives of the Town Vending Committee have expressed disappointment that the new SOP was rolled out without consulting them or discussing rehabilitation options for those who would lose their vending spots.
The committee has also paid attention to the delay in holding meetings with the city administration, making small traders uncertain about future business places.
The GCC is expected to increase the eviction drive under the new guidelines in the coming weeks. This challenge will be to balance pedestrian safety and urban order with the livelihood needs of thousands of street vendors.
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Aal/svn