In view of the Vaikunda Ekadasi festival, which is commencing on December 21, the Tiruchirappalli City Corporation launched an encroachment eviction drive in Srirangam on Thursday.
A team of officials and sanitary workers cleared the encroachments, mostly temporary structures put up by shopkeepers in different parts of the town. The drive was concentrated mainly from Amma Mandapam to Sri Ranganathaswamy temple. While some of the shopkeepers came forward to remove the encroached structures by themselves, sanitary workers cleared the others. The day long operation was carried out with tight police security. The authorities said the drive was aimed at ensuring free movement of vehicles and pilgrims. Officials said they would continue to have a close watch to prevent further encroachment.