Charing Cross getting a facelift

With a chronic problem now in the process of being addressed, hopes of Charing Cross on the threshold of the town wearing a better look by the Summer of 2015 have been raised.

Overflowing drains

For long a pride of this vacation destination, the important area has of late been making visitors and locals wince in disgust on account of its shabby appearance, increasing congestion and stench from overflowing drains.

Featuring the Adam Memorial Fountain, the best known land mark of the town, Charing Cross was the showpiece of the hill station. However, years of neglect have made it an eyesore.

With the provision of facilities not being commensurate with the proliferation of hotels in the area, storm water drains have ceased to serve their purpose and sewage related problems have been rising steadily.

As a result the present efforts to tackle the problems are being watched with considerable interest by both locals and regular visitors.

Speaking to The Hindu here on Tuesday, Municipal Commissioner K. Sivakumar said that since roads belonging to the municipality, the National Highways and the State Highways pass through Charing Cross various, agencies are working simultaneously to give the place a facelift.

Priority would be given to improve a badly damaged spot which linked the Government Botanical Garden road with Charing Cross.

He added that all the works are expected to be completed before the end of the current fiscal.