Secretary to Government for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Tamil Development and Information and Public Relations, M. Rajaram on Saturday conducted inspection near Mettupalayam to identify land for conducting elephant rejuvenation camp in future.
He was accompanied by Joint Commissioner of HR&CE M. Pugazhendiran and other officials from HR&CE and Forest Departments for identifying land for accommodating the temple elephants that attend the rejuvenation camp every year. The inspection also included assessment of land availability for accommodating all the elephants, its handlers (mahouts/cavadis), place for cooking and medical facilities for the pachyderm in addition to water resources for giving bath to the elephants.
Normally, the rejuvenation camp used to be held at Mudumalai in the Nilgiris. Considering the strenuous journey involved for the elephants, official machinery was said to be reportedly contemplating on having the camp at the foothills of the Nilgiris.
Later, Mr. Rajaram presided over the meeting of HR&CE officials for reviewing the management of properties of 515 temples coming under the four districts of Coimbatore Zone.
He urged the officials to resolve the pending disputes and expedite the removal of encroachments and obtaining of patta for the temple lands. He also called for stepping up the pace of legal/criminal action against those who obtained forged or fake patta in their names for the temple lands. He also called for videographing the process of tenders for prasadam sale, shops rental auction and also for computerising the entry ticket and temple accounts.
Mr. Rajaram also called for development of annadanam scheme and better upkeep of dining halls and kitchen in various temples.
He also called for cautious steps in preserving the rich architectural heritage and in guarding the idols while taking up temple renovation works.
