The Hindu : Front Page : Defence land to be sought for laying approach road to residential colonies

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Sunday, Oct 05, 2008
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Defence land to be sought for laying approach road to residential colonies

S. Ganesan

The move follows an altercation between residents of Crawford and Territorial Army

There are as many as 21 entry points into the defence land

TIRUCHI: The Tiruchi Corporation has decided to seek the transfer of about 3,000 square metres of defence land near Crawford for laying approach roads between residential colonies in the region and on K. K. Nagar / Sathanur Road.

The move follows a recent row between residents of Crawford and Territorial Army over the former’s claim for a link road across the defence lands.

Residents of nearly a dozen colonies in Crawford have been crossing over the training area of the 117 Infantry Battalion (TA), The Guards, as a short cut to reach K. K. Nagar, to reach schools, offices, shops and hospitals.

A large number of autorickshaws, two-wheelers and even four-wheelers are using the narrow gravel pathways, ignoring the signboards of the TA warning against trespass.

Sporadic attempts by the TA to prevent the ‘unauthorised entry’ have met with persistent resistance.

According to TA officers, there are as many as 21 entry points into their land. Recently, a large number of residents resorted to a road blockade after the TA personnel attempted to block these access points. Following the dispute, the Collector advised that the Corporation could seek the transfer of a portion of the defence land on prevailing market rates for providing a pathway for the residents.

A subway is also being planned across the four-lane bypass road coming up across the defence land.

Based on the advisory, the Corporation has decided to seek about 2,957 square metres of land for laying the link road either free of cost or at market rates.

The proposal will be forwarded to the Commissioner of Municipal Administration for follow up action. The council also agreed to bear a part of the costs for the construction of the subway by the National Highways Authority of India across the new bypass road.

The Corporation had previously sought 138 acres of the defence land for development purpose.

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