COIMBATORE: In a renewed effort to ease traffic congestion on one of Coimbatore's busiest commercial stretches, the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation's (CCMC) Town Planning Department on Friday removed long-standing encroachments along the Poo Market Road on Mettupalayam Road. The move came after flower market traders repeatedly ignored several warnings to vacate the road.
The Poo Market area, known for its heavy footfall and dense vehicular movement, has for years struggled with severe traffic bottlenecks. While the narrow stretch already carries a heavy load of vehicles, the situation has been worsened by traders who spill out onto the road, occupying significant portions of the carriageway. Officials say that despite previous clearance drives, encroachments would reappear within days.
Acting on the instructions of CCMC Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran, a team led by Town Planning Officer (TPO) M Rajasekaran launched a coordinated drive with the support of the police to clear the road. Flower vendors were removed from both the old and new market building fronts, and temporary structures blocking the road were dismantled.
"We have completely removed all encroachments in front of both the old and new market buildings," Rajasekaran told TNIE. "Encroachments on the cut roads have also been cleared, and those spaces have been converted into two-wheeler parking zones to streamline movement."
In addition to the clearance operation, the civic body also undertook pruning activities along the stretch. A few overhanging tree branches that obstructed vehicle movement were cut down. Officials have identified six more trees that may need to be uprooted to further ease traffic flow. A proposal regarding this will soon be sent to the district green committee for approval.
However, Rajasekaran emphasised that sustaining the improvement would require vigilance. "Although we have removed the encroachments now, frequent monitoring by the police is essential to prevent traders from returning to the road. We will continue to assist the police whenever required," he said.
With the latest operation, the corporation hopes to relieve the long-standing traffic snarls in the area. Residents and commuters expect that consistent enforcement, coupled with organised market practices, will finally bring lasting order to the bustling Poo Market stretch.