# Tiruvannamalai demolishes encroachments along temple path, devotees seek night patrols

2026-08-10T00:42:57+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

State Highways officials, with police, have demolished illegal structures along 5 km of the 14-km Girivalam path around the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai. The second phase will clear the remaining 9 km in two days, following orders from District Collector Vandana Garg. Officials say the encroachments had halved carriageway width, forcing pedestrians on to the road, causing waterlogging, and risking lives. However, devotees demand round-the-clock police patrols on the path, especially at night, after a June gang attempted sexual assault on a woman. During the Aadi festival season, the town now hosts over one lakh visitors daily. Police say additional AR wing personnel are needed; a final decision awaits the Collector and SP.

## Coverage

- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/encroachments-demolished-along-girivalam-path-in-tiruvannamalai/article71324696.ece>
- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/devotees-seek-round-the-clock-police-patrolling-on-girivalam-path-to-improve-public-safety/article71336628.ece>

Tags: Arunachaleshwarar temple, encroachment removal, Girivalam path, pedestrian safety, temple infrastructure, Tiruvannamalai
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