Kollankulam beautification project faces setback over encroachments
The beautification project for the Kollankulam waterbody in Tiruchi is facing delays due to difficulties in relocating residents living on encroached land. The Corporation may abandon the project on the affected stretch if a resolution cannot be reached.
Why it matters
It illustrates the common conflict between urban development projects and the displacement of informal settlements.
The proposed beautification of Kollankulam, one of Tiruchi’s major waterbodies, has hit a roadblock on the Karumandapam side, with the Tiruchi Corporation facing difficulties in clearing encroachments and relocating residents.
A flock of birds at Kollankulam in Tiruchi on Sunday. | Photo Credit: ANCY DONAL MADONNA
The Corporation is now considering shelving the works on that stretch if the residents are unwilling to relocate. Several houses identified as encroachments need to be cleared to facilitate the project, but the residents have opposed the proposed eviction and relocation.
The civic body does not have a suitable parcel of land to accommodate the families. “We are considering seeking land from the district administration for the relocation of the residents. But if they are reluctant to relocate, we may have to abandon the project on that stretch,” a senior Corporation official said.
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