Encroachments, mostly houses and petty shops, were demolished near Arunachaleshwarar temple along the Girivalam path in Tiruvannamalai town to ensure safety of pedestrians. Officials of State Highways, which executed the work, said that along with the local police, demolition of encroachments was done along the 14-km Girivalam path. Most of the encroachments on the path, especially towards Chengam Road, were built many years ago. Of the total distance of 14 km, identified encroachments were demolished to a distance of five km along the path. Tiled footpaths were also laid to provide more road space for pedestrians.