Over 200 encroachments on Devaraj Mudali Street were removed on Friday by the Chennai Corporation. This followed the eviction of hawkers and the homeless from NSC Bose Road on Thursday by the civic body.
Following the move on Friday, a group of homeless people affected by the eviction drive gathered at the Ripon Building, demanding alternative housing for them. “Alternative housing for the homeless should be in proximity to the place of livelihood,” said R.Leelavathi, State Secretary of Unorganised Workers' Federation.
The Tamil Nadu Labour Law Practitioners' Association has condemned the eviction of petty traders and small vendors of fruits and flowers from NSC Bose Road by the Chennai Corporation.
A press statement issued by the association said the action on Thursday was “heartless and thoughtless” and has created parking space for cars of big traders and shop owners.
The Association demanded the government to issue ordinance immediately directing big traders and shop owners to alter the ground floor of their premises to park their vehicles instead of depriving the small vendors of their livelihood. It also demanded of the government to ensure the livelihood of the petty traders and small vendors by permitting them to resume their occupation.
The eviction of the petty traders and small vendors has in no way eased the flow of traffic, according to the statement.
