Poor access keeping off visitors to butterfly park

Trichy: Built at a cost of Rs 8 crore, the butterfly park in Srirangam remains inaccessible to many. A narrow, damaged 7-km road through the villages of Melur is the only connecting road to the park. As Trichy lacks a proper entertainment spot, the opening of the butterfly park had come as a boon to many; and with the summer vacatio round the corner, it would be a big loss if holidayers the park is not made easily accessible.
Set up on 25 hectares by the forest department, the park has at least 39 local species of butterflies. The indoor conservatories have air conditioners and green houses.
Ever since its inception, people have been complaining about the road to the park. With roads being narrow, two-way traffic is often causing congestion. "On a Sunday at least 100 cars make it to the park, causing much congestion on the road and trouble to residents and visitors."
According to district forest officer N Sathish, "A proposal to widen the Melur road and construct a new approach from the Mukkombu side by the public works department exists. The entire plan will be implemented in a phased manner very soon."
The project has obtained the approval of the authorities, but is held up due to the model code of conduct, said a senior official from PWD. The forest authorities have assigned officials from the department to maintain and monitor the butterfly park.