The Madras High Court has taken a stern stance against the persistent encroachment of public spaces in a key area of Chennai. A division bench has issued a formal notice to the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) based on a public interest litigation filed by a senior citizen. The petition demands urgent action to clear footpaths and roads in Mannadi, Linghi Chetty Street, and surrounding parts of Georgetown, which have been illegally occupied by hotels and food stalls.
Court Directs Swift Response from Civic Body
Admitting the plea on Tuesday, a division bench comprising Justice S M Subramaniam and Justice C Kumarappan directed the GCC to file its official response within two weeks. The petitioner, N T Arasu, highlighted a frustrating history of inaction. He pointed out that a similar petition was filed back in 2020, during which the corporation assured the court that all encroachments in the area had been cleared.
However, the petitioner contended that these assurances proved empty, as the illegal structures and commercial activities continue to thrive unabated. This forced him to approach the judiciary once again, alleging that the GCC has failed to perform its statutory duty of protecting public property and ensuring pedestrian safety.
Public Safety at Risk Due to Hazardous Operations
The petition paints a alarming picture of the risks faced by citizens daily. Arasu specifically mentioned that numerous food stalls operate by placing cooking gas cylinders directly on public roads, creating a significant and dangerous hazard. This unchecked practice poses a direct threat to public safety in these densely populated neighborhoods.
Furthermore, the illegal extensions and unauthorized commercial activities have severely choked public thoroughfares. "These establishments not only occupy designated footpaths but also extended their business operations onto the carriageway itself," the petitioner stated. This rampant encroachment has effectively reduced wide roads to narrow, unsafe passages for both vehicles and pedestrians.
Traffic Chaos and Pedestrian Nightmare
The consequences of this civic neglect are severe and multifaceted. According to the plea, the traffic flow in these areas is severely affected, leading to congestion and inconvenience. For pedestrians, the situation is even worse. The public is left with only a sliver of space to walk through, which is often further blocked by parked vehicles, the aforementioned gas cylinders, and piles of discarded waste.
This case underscores a classic urban governance challenge where commercial interests blatantly override public rights and safety. The court's intervention has brought renewed focus on the corporation's responsibility to enforce zoning laws and reclaim public spaces for the citizens of Chennai. The next two weeks will be crucial as the GCC must now explain its position and proposed action plan to the Madras High Court.
