Corporation launches mega plan to spruce up public spaces

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription

In the next 30 - 45 days, key locations, intersections, public walls and open spaces in the city will present a clean and green look. The Madurai Corporation launched a mega plan last fortnight, and the works are getting under way at prime spots.

Speaking to The Hindu on Thursday, Commissioner Gaurav Kumar said the officials of the major wings of the Corporation, including Engineering, Town Planning, City Health and Education, had been roped in, and they had identified key locations.

The places identified included all major traffic islands or roundabouts such as those at Fatima College, Palanganatham junction, K.K. Nagar, on Dindigul Road and near Thiruparankundram temple junction. “We are beautifying them with private participation,” the Commissioner said.

The Corporation was planting saplings wherever possible, he said, citing Rajaji Park and Eco Park areas as examples. Road medians at various places, such as K.K. Nagar and Anna Nagar, had been identified for planting ornamental plant varieties.

Deputy Commissioner Rajaram said the walls underneath New Natham Road elevated corridor and along the north and the west entrance compound walls of Anna Maaligai (Corporation’s head office) were being adorned with murals.

Amma Unavagams across the city were being repaired, and very soon those located on Thiruparankundram Road, Kalpalam, Netaji Road, and at K. Pudur would sport a new look.

Public toilets at some places like Thirumalai Naick Palace area were in a bad shape. “We are repairing them. The walls would be painted and it will attract users,” Mr. Kumar said.

Dumper bins had been removed from places where they were not maintained properly. With new garbage transportation facilities opened at Thathaneri and Kochadai, garbage lifting would be faster.

“We are also focusing on pedestrian pathways. Many encroachments near busy junctions, were evicted in the last 7 - 10 days and the action will be a continuous process,” he said.

The Corporation had plans to enhance its green cover by planting about 4.75 lakh saplings in different locations. “We have taken due care to ensure that the nursery is properly watered and taken care of,” the Commissioner said, adding that Vandiyur park was now the cynosure of all eyes as it was packed with walkers in mornings and evenings. The civic body wanted to make the entire stretch an entertainment area for children, where they could have outdoor activities in a safe environment.

He said corporate houses were welcome to join hands with the Corporation and take up areas for upkeep. The idea was to give a new meaning to the lives of the residents and provide an eco-system which would have clean air in select zones.

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles.