In a glaring breach of civic regulations, eateries across Tiruchy city have illegally taken over footpaths and public roads, setting up gas stoves, tandoors, and serving counters in pedestrian zones. This reckless practice poses major threats to public safety, hygiene, and mobility.
An on-ground survey by TNIE revealed disturbing scenes across key localities—Chathiram Bus Stand, Thillai Nagar, Gandhi Market, TVS Tollgate, and more—where, during evening hours, pavements vanish under open flames and kitchen clutter.
Many food stalls directly cook on footpaths, often sprinkling chilli powder and spices into sizzling pans, exposing passersby to irritating fumes and respiratory hazards. The consequences can be serious.
“I almost crashed my bike near E Pudur when chilli fumes hit my eyes,” said R Senthil, a resident of Crawford. School teacher K Meena described how students and the elderly are forced to walk in the middle of roads due to blocked walkways.
Pedestrians now regularly navigate between speeding vehicles and boiling tandoors, raising risks of accidents—though few get officially reported, admit police sources.
Environmental activists added that roadside cooking contributes to air pollution and food contamination, with smoke mingling with vehicle exhaust and dust.
While Corporation officials claim they’ve conducted eviction drives and fined offenders, locals say violators return within days, confident of lax enforcement.
The Tiruchy City Corporation now promises to intensify action in the coming weeks, but residents demand consistent and strict enforcement to reclaim public space.