Chennai Corporation issues SOP to clear encroachments on footpaths

Temporary vendors, pushcarts, articles displayed in front of shops, seating and other structures encroaching on footpaths in the city will be removed with one day’s notice, as per a circular issued by the Greater Chennai Corporation.

A document, dated October 3 from the GCC Commissioner outlined a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the immediate removal of permanent structures and temporary vendors obstructing footpaths.

Assistant Engineers in each division have been instructed to enumerate all eviction locations, excluding vending areas, and communicate these details to their respective Assistant Executive Engineers. The eviction lists were to be collated zone-wise, then forwarded to the Zonal Officer. Enumerations were to be conducted using the GCC App, with a classification system for various types of structures, including temporary vendors on footpaths, vendors with pushcarts, those displaying goods in front of permanent shops, and other identified encroachments.

The enforcement team on day shifts was required to upload photographs with locations in the GCC App. Evictions were to occur immediately on the day following identification, with prior notice given one day before. Where necessary, Assistant Executive Engineers would coordinate with police for protection. Completion of evictions and accountability for non-removal rested with concerned engineers.

Vehicles and manpower were to be deployed as per population density, with strict adherence to safety protocols. After removal, before-and-after photos had to be uploaded, and all materials were to be dumped at the designated site with receipts recorded. Daily reports were mandated for submission to the respective Regional Deputy Commissioner. The enforcement team was assigned responsibility for ensuring no recurrence of encroachments, and lapses in eviction duties would be treated seriously.