Collector L. Subramanian on Wednesday informed the Madras High Court Bench here that Rs.85.65 lakh would be spent for supplying drinking water and providing other basic amenities during the Chithirai festival scheduled to take place in the city between May 1 and 17.
In a report placed before a Division Bench comprising Justices V. Ramasubramanian and V.M. Velumani, he said that Madurai Corporation Commissioner had prepared a plan for supplying drinking water through temporary plastic water tanks, tankers and other existing overhead tanks.
“In order to maintain health and hygiene, Sanitary Inspectors, Conservancy Instructors and Health Workers are going to be deployed additionally in areas where the festival is celebrated… In addition to that it has been proposed to conduct medical camps in all the places of celebration,” he added.
The report also stated that Joint Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department had been advised to permit devotees to use toilets in Adi streets on May 10, the day of Tirukalyanam and the Corporation Commissioner had been asked to provide mobile toilets.
It was filed in reply to a public interest litigation petition filed by S. Arumugam (84), a retired Bill Collector of Madurai Corporation, now involved in social activities. Though the judges were inclined to dispose of the case after recording the report, the petitioner’s counsel R. Alagumani got it adjourned till June 10.
At length“There have been complaints every year of non-provision of basic facilities like drinking water and toilets. Therefore, the case may be heard at length in June and comprehensive directions could be issued to the authorities to be followed during the festival every year,” he said.
