All efforts will be taken to commission a rope car facility connecting Kurinji Andavar Temple in Kodaikanal and Sri Dhandayuthapaniswamy Temple in Palani for the convenience of pilgrims and tourists, said I. Perisamy, Minister for Revenue.
He was inaugurating the summer festival and two-day flower show at Bryant Park here on Saturday.
Teething troubles in this connection will be settled. Both Palani and Kodaikanal municipalities could avail loan to foot the installation expenses of the new rope car. Both municipalities could repay the loan within a year or two because of the sharp increase in the arrival of tourists every year. Both municipalities need not depend on Palani Temple administration for funds. This matter would be brought to the knowledge of Department of Local Administration for fruitful decision, he assured.
The State government has been paying special attention in protecting the pristine beauty of the hill station. Compared to other tourists' spots, Kodaikanal is a safe haven for domestic and foreign tourists, the Minister pointed out.
In his special address, Collector M. Vallalar said that more than Rs.10 crore was pumped in through various Central and State government schemes for development of tourists spots. “We have plans to introduce elephant safari and develop Thadiyankudisai as Spices tourism spot.”
Reacting to appeals made by party's local leaders and representatives of various welfare associations, Mr. Periasamy promised that house and land pattas will be given to genuine beneficiaries at the earliest.
Later, the Revenue Minister inaugurated high mast light at Naidupuram and Anna Nagar as part of the beautification plan of Kodaikanal.
Thousands of tourists from different parts of the country witnessed the summer festival. Several private companies, farmers and government departments had set up flower and vegetable stalls in the flower show.
Honoured
The artistes, who performed well in various fields at district level were honoured with certificates, cash award and a memento. The honoured were Bharatnatyam dancer N. Gomathy, Nagaswaram player C. Murugesan, Thavil player R. Marimuthu, Artist and drawing teacher T.S. Ganesan, Drama artiste G. Savri Das, Young vocalist J. Balagirish, Sculptor M. Pandimani, Folk musician T. Santhosh, Tabla player V. John Mohan and Harmonium player K.A. Swaminathan.
