The anti-encroachment drive was carried out between Devalapuram and Kadambur villages. Encroachments, mostly houses and petty shops, were demolished on both sides of Ambur – Pernambut Main Road near Ambur town as part of restoration of its original road space to ensure safety of motorists. Officials of State Highways said that along with revenue officials and local police, the massive exercise was taken up on the route. Most of the encroachments, around 160 structures, on these stretches were built more than two decades ago. The drive was carried out between Devalapuram and Kadambur villages, a distance of around 3 km on the stretch. The razed structures are mostly extensions of houses and commercial establishments that have been built on the existing narrow drain on these stretches. “Illegal construction on the key stretch has affected traffic movement, especially ambulances on the route. The demolition exercise is aimed at providing more road space for motorists and to prevent accidents especially during night,” S. Baburaj, Assistant Engineer (AE), State Highways (Ambur), told The Hindu. Officials said that demolition drive was also …