Tiruvannamalai: Encroachments cleared on Girivalam path

TIRUVANNAMALAI: Encroachments on pedestrian pathways along the Girivalam route were cleared by the Highways Department ahead of Chitra Pournami, officials stated.

The action was carried out following instructions from District Collector Tharpagaraj to ensure smooth movement of devotees along the 14-km Girivalam path, which comes under the department’s control.

Chitra Pournami will commence on the night of April 30 and conclude on the night of May 1. More than 30 lakh devotees are expected to visit Tiruvannamalai for Girivalam during the festival.

On Monday, teams led by Assistant Divisional Engineer Anbarasu removed encroachments using machinery. Temporary structures such as tender coconut stalls, tea shops, and soda shops that occupied pedestrian pathways were cleared.

Officials stated that inspections will be carried out daily and encroachments will be removed immediately.