Nanjangud: The district administration yesterday launched an operation demolition to clear encroachments along the Ratha Beedhi or Car Street of Srikanteshwara Temple in Nanjangud.

The Ratha Beedhi is around 1.3 km long and there were 40 properties with encroachment which were identified for demolition and clearance. Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep said that five heavy earth movers were deployed for the demolition and clearance work and staff from the local TMC and PWD were involved in the operation.

The authorities took the assistance of the local Police during the course of the operation to ensure that there was no untoward incident. The DC said once the encroachments are cleared, works worth Rs. 10 crore can be taken up by the PWD.

The street is among the busiest stretch of the road in the temple town which attracts pilgrims from across the State and is a major hub of commercial activity. However, development works including road widening and upgradation was impeded by the encroachments.