Of the about 12,000 encroachments identified on the nearly 18 km stretch between Koyambedu and the Napier bridge, only 3,500 have been cleared so far. The slum dwellers who have been moved to other areas have been unable to settle down and earn a livelihood. During the drive to remove a hotel at Koyambedu recently, we were denied entry despite eviction orders,” said a WRD official. If the encroachments are cleared as planned, the department will be able to widen the river to its original width of 200 m, officials say. Unless encroachments are cleared and sewage outlets plugged, it is nearly impossible to desilt the river, officials added.

Source: The Hindu February 24, 2018 18:25 UTC