The Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, K.R. Periakaruppan, on Sunday said that he would take up with officials the feasibility of constructing a rope-car in the Chithirai streets to enable tourists view the magnificent sculptures in the Meenkashi Sundareswarar Temple here.

He was addressing the valediction of the 13th edition of the annual Chamber Trade Fair, organised at the Tamukkam Grounds by the Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Reacting to the demand placed by chamber senior president, S. Rethinavelu, who spoke earlier, the Minister said that Madurai was changing from being a Temple City to an industrialised one.

The flow of tourists to the city was also increasing. He also spoke positively regarding the chamber’s long-standing demand of land allocation for constructing a permanent trade centre. Such a facility would provide entertainment options for the residents of the city, he said.

Speaking earlier, chamber president V. Neethi Mohan said that the District Collector N. Mathivanan had assured them of positively considering the land allocation demand and added that the allotment would be made by this month. He expressed hope that the next edition of the trade fair would be conducted in the permanent trade centre. The 14th edition of the chamber trade fair which commenced on December 17 and concluded on January 3, 2010.

The current edition’s theme of ‘save to be saved,’ which focuses in conserving natural resources, has been retained. The just-concluded fair saw nearly 5 lakh people visit the 360 stalls. A large number of students came to this 18-day fair, for which 38 committees were formed to ensure its smooth function, he said.

Senior president Mr. Rethinavelu said that the Meenakshi temple could have made it to the list containing wonders of the world but for the rule that the country already had a wonder in the Taj Mahal. The beautification works undertaken around the temple has added to its shine, he said.

While Southern Railways bagged the best Government stall award, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) won the best Government technology stall award and Central Excise Department won the best Government information stall award.

The Minister also choose two luck draw winners who bagged a Maruthi 800 car and a Hero Honda Splendour bike.

P. Moorthy, Sholavandhan MLA, and S.S. Ghouse Basha, Madurai Central MLA, spoke.

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