Over 300 residents of Vanji Nagar, Tiruppur, attempted to surrender their Aadhaar and ration cards at the District Collector's office, protesting against the alleged blocking of their access road by a Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board housing project.
Coimbatore: Tension prevailed at the Tiruppur District Collector's office as more than 300 residents of Vanji Nagar near Veerapandi attempted to surrender their Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and voter IDs in protest. The residents claimed that the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board (TNSCB) was trying to fence off their access road, asserting ownership of the land for their newly constructed apartment complex.
The dispute stems from a 30-year-old private layout in Vanji Nagar, where 1,050 plots were sold. The residents state that their property documents mention a 40-foot wide access road, which was also approved by the local panchayat. However, the recent construction of a TNSCB apartment complex nearby has led to complications.
According to the protesters, the TNSCB is now claiming ownership of the road leading to their settlement, forcing them to take a longer route through the new apartment complex. This has resulted in a narrow pathway that is unsuitable for vehicles. Despite multiple petitions to the authorities, the residents claim no action has been taken to address their concerns.
The situation escalated when the affected residents decided to surrender their identity documents at the Collector's office as a form of protest. The tense atmosphere was eventually diffused after officials assured the protesters that an investigation would be conducted and appropriate action would be taken. Following this assurance, the residents withdrew their protest and dispersed peacefully.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in urban development and land disputes in rapidly growing areas like Tiruppur. It also underscores the importance of clear communication and resolution mechanisms between government agencies and residents to avoid such conflicts in the future.