Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) April 16: A large-scale eviction drive in South Andaman has led to the removal of 20 encroachments and the recovery of around 600 square metres of government land along the Corbyn’s Cove stretch in Sri Vijaya Puram.
The operation was carried out by the District Administration, South Andaman, in coordination with the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council (SVPMC), as part of an ongoing effort to enforce a zero-tolerance policy against illegal occupation of public land. The joint team included officials from the Revenue Department, municipal authorities, police personnel and municipal labourers.
The drive focused on roadside government revenue land near Corbyn’s Cove Junction, where 16 unauthorised structures were dismantled. These included ghumtis, makeshift stalls and temporary shops that had been operating without valid permission. Officials said the removal was conducted in a planned and coordinated manner, with adequate police presence ensuring that the process remained peaceful.
The eviction covered the entire stretch from Corbyn’s Cove Junction up to the Corbyn’s Cove beach area, where several temporary commercial setups had encroached upon public land. Authorities noted that these structures had been obstructing pedestrian movement and limiting public access, particularly along the main road.
In a separate but related action, four additional encroachments were cleared from government land in the Corbyn’s Cove area. This included three structures and one fenced portion used for banana plantation. With these removals, the administration said a total of approximately 600 square metres of land has been restored to government records.
Officials stated that the clearance of these encroachments has improved visibility and road safety along the stretch, while also restoring public land to its intended use. The action forms part of a broader, ongoing initiative to identify and remove illegal occupations across South Andaman.
The District Administration reiterated that such drives will continue in other areas where encroachments are detected. It urged residents to avoid illegal occupation of public land and to cooperate in maintaining public infrastructure and assets.
Authorities have also appealed to the public to report cases of encroachment. Complaints and information can be shared with the District Control Room through designated contact numbers, with assurances that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
The administration said the continued enforcement of anti-encroachment measures is aimed at protecting public land and ensuring safer, accessible spaces for residents.
