Corpn allocates ₹50 lakh for Avaniyapuram jallikattu preparations

Madurai: The city corporation has allocated ₹50 lakh for the preparations of Avaniyapuram jallikattu, the only jallikattu event organised within city limits, scheduled to take place in January. The funds will be used for various arrangements including barricading, stage setups and drinking water facilities to ensure smooth conduct of the event.Officials said a key part of the preparation involves repairing Kalkulam Main Road, a vital link connecting the jallikattu arena to TPK Main Road. The road repairs aim to facilitate seamless access for participants, spectators and officials. The corporation estimates the participation of around 800 bulls and 500 bull tamers. "Single fencing will be installed near Vadivasal while double fencing will be provided in spectator areas for enhanced safety," a senior official said.Separate galleries are being arranged for VIPs, prize distribution, media personnel, and police officers.To accommodate the massive crowds expected, the corporation will set up more than 20 temporary water tanks at key junctions. Additionally, five mobile toilets will be stationed at high-traffic areas to prevent open defecation. More than five large LED screens will be installed around the arena offering a live telecast of the event. To ensure public safety, over 20 CCTV cameras will monitor the arena and spectator galleries.West zonal chairperson V Suveetha highlighted the increased budget for this year's event. "Last year, the corporation allocated ₹26 lakh but this year an additional ₹10 lakh has been earmarked for patchwork and repairs on Kalkulam Main Road," she said. She highlighted the challenges posed by ongoing Mullaperiyar and underground drainage (UGD) work, which left many west zone roads, including Kalkulam Main Road, in a poor state."The corporation considered our requests and sanctioned essential patchwork to ensure the road is ready before jallikattu," she added.R. Muthukumar, a bull owner from Avaniyapuram, said the road repair work was essential. He urged the corporation to arrange proper parking facilities in nearby corporation schools. "Many people parked their vehicles haphazardly during last year's event, causing problems afterwards. A planned parking system is essential," he added.