Coimbatore:
A long-standing encroachment on a public Open Space Reserve (OSR) site in Saravanampatti came to an end on Tuesday after the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation reclaimed the land and demolished illegal structures, marking what officials described as a strong message against the misuse of public assets.
The action was carried out in Meenakshi Nagar, Saravanampatti, where OSR land earmarked for public use had allegedly been encroached upon for years. According to civic records, the residential layout was formed in 1993, when 50 cents was reserved as a park site and later handed over through a deed of gift to the local body.
However, corporation officials said 13 cents of the land had allegedly been occupied by a resident, identified as Sivagnanam, who reportedly built a compound wall and merged the portion with private property.
Influence claims surfaced
While the encroachment issue moved slowly for years, sources in the civic administration and local residents alleged that the accused had repeatedly attempted to discourage inspections and enforcement by projecting influence.
“People were hesitant to confront him. He behaved as if nobody could touch him,” a local resident said. Civic sources alleged that the encroacher would often resort to intimidation and adopt a posture of power — described by some residents as a typical “Do you know who I am?” attitude — whenever officials raised objections.
Officials, however, clarified that the operation was carried out strictly as per legal procedure.
High Court dismissal cleared action
Corporation sources said a notice was issued in 2021, following which the encroacher challenged the proceedings before the Madras High Court. The High Court reportedly dismissed the petition on December 19, clearing the way for the corporation to act and retrieve the encroached OSR site.
On Tuesday, civic officials arrived with police protection and used a backhoe loader to demolish the compound wall and structures on the encroached portion. The land was subsequently secured with fencing to prevent further encroachment.
Public land to be protected
Officials stated that OSR sites are reserved for community welfare and public infrastructure, and the reclaimed land will be protected for its intended purpose.
The action has been widely seen as a message that public land cannot be converted into private property—regardless of claimed influence or pressure tactics.
(Inputs: Times of India / TNN)
