MADURAI: With only nine days left for Chithirai festival celebrations in the city, Madurai corporation is gearing up to manage the huge throng of devotees expected from villages around the city and provide them with basic facilities.
To manage the crowd at Alwarpuram in Madurai south zone, where Lord Kallazhagar enters Vaigai river, a 20-foot-wide ramp was constructed this year. The corporation also plans to open the newly constructed Obula Padithurai bridge before the festival so that devotees can see the point at which Kallazhagar enters the river from the bridge. “Even if the bridge is not opened, people will be allowed to stand and watch the procession during the festival time,” a senior corporation official said.
To avoid clogging of the underground drainage system due to excess sewage generation during the festival, the corporation plans to clean the UGDs in south zone every day from April 23 till the festival ends on May 10.
To cater to the drinking water needs of devotees, around 70 temporary water tanks are planned to be placed on the stretch between Kallazhagar temple and Alwarpuram. As many as 50 mobile toilets will also be placed there.
Councillors have urged the corporation to be extra cautious with arrangements as two people were killed in a stampede during last year’s procession. Madurai south zonal chairperson Mugesh Sharma said, “Arrangements should be made for people to stand without much congestion throughout the stretch by clearing encroachments.”
Arulmigu Kallalagar Parambariya Mandagapadi Sangam members had submitted a petition to the district collector, mayor and corporation commissioner a week ago with various suggestions. Sangam president M M Muthu Nayagam said the corporation can open Tamukkam ground, corporation office building and level the area before Tallakulam Perumal Temple to accommodate devotees.
“The corporation should ensure all street lights are working on the stretch as there were complaints about defunct lights during the procession last year,” he added. On Friday, M Ramasamy, deputy commissioner of Sundararaja Perumal Temple at Azhagarkoil, inspected the procession stretch. He said a meeting will be held with all stakeholders soon.
Start a Conversation
Post comment