Kanchipuram: The Vegavathi river, a branch of the Palar River, runs through the heart of Kanchipuram city. Over the past three decades, more than 1,400 houses have been built illegally along both banks of the river, creating a major encroachment issue. Despite numerous efforts by the authorities, these encroachments remain largely unaddressed.
In 2015, heavy rains led to the urgent need to remove these encroachments, as floodwaters were obstructed by the illegal constructions. At that time, Kanchipuram Sub-Collector, I.A.S. Officer Arun Thamburaj, attempted to remove the encroachments but was unsuccessful. The task continued to remain pending, and subsequent Sub-Collectors failed to take decisive action.
After a decade, the responsibility of Kanchipuram's administration shifted to Sub-Collector Ashik Ali, who now faces the challenge of resolving the long-standing encroachment issue. Although 2,112 homes were constructed in a resettlement project in Keezhkathirpuram for displaced families, the encroachments along the Vegavathi river remain untouched.
Despite multiple administrative changes, including the appointment of five different Collectors, no substantial action has been taken to clear the illegal settlements. The situation has grown worse with the river, now channeled like a drain, becoming heavily polluted due to the encroachments.
In 2021, when the DMK government took office, Minister of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises, Anbarasan, assured that the encroachments would be removed soon after reviewing the situation. However, two years have passed, and no significant progress has been made in restoring the river.
The encroachments have led to a severe deterioration in the river's condition, and residents are urging the authorities to act swiftly to clear the encroachments and restore the Vegavathi river to its natural state.
