Cuttack, Aug. 10: Major intersections in the city will now be encroachment free as the authorities have decided to launch special drives to evict squatters on a daily basis.

Around 23 encroachments were cleared from the busy College Square junction in a special eviction drive that was launched here today.

Besides, the traffic wing has also penalised 18 violators for illegal parking and entering the no entry zone at College Square. Rs 12,000 was collected as fine from the violators.

A senior official said in accordance with the Orissa High Court directives, the authorities have decided to focus on clearing the encroachments at major intersections of the city.

The cops are now thinking about banning parking along the roads of major junctions. Besides, not a single roadside vendor or vending zone will be allowed within 50 to 100 metres of an intersection. The move is aimed at regulating and ensuring free flow of traffic at major roads by putting a check on perpetual congestion.

"We have started the drive and similar operations will be launched almost on a daily basis at major areas witnessing traffic congestion," said P.K. Dalai, the assistant commissioner of police (traffic).

Dalai said 20 busy intersections at different parts of the city would be identified for launching special drives.

"Signage and display boards will be subsequently put up to ensure the intersections are not encroached upon," Dalai said.

The residents of College Square, however, opposed the eviction drive and have threatened to intensify their agitation.

"Neither the civic body nor the police have taken steps for providing basic amenities. There are hardly any parking areas. Under such situations, the drive against encroachments are arbitrary," said Kailash Sahoo, a local resident.

Police on the other hand claimed most of the business establishments at College Square have encroached upon the public road, which is leading to acute congestion.

As the College Square main road acts as a connecting link to Jobra, Ranihat and SCB Medical College and Hospital, the road needs to be kept free from encroachments. Hundreds of commuters also depend on this road to move towards OMP Square and Bhubaneswar via the National Highway 5.

Commuters have also demanded stringent action against the squatters, as there is frequent congestion on the entire two-kilometre stretch starting from College Square round the clock.