The nearly 800-metre stretch from Munichalai junction to East Veli Street junction on the busy Kamarajar Salai here wore a festive look from 6.30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Sunday morning with the stretch blocked for vehicles for the second edition of Happy Street event by Madurai Corporation.
Hundreds of people, predominantly families with their children, actively took part in a variety of events on the road, including badminton, table-tennis, board games, cycling - many children even gave a shot at mallakhamb .
The participation from the public saw a huge increase compared to the first edition of the event conducted last month in Anna Nagar. Though the event was planned on the first Sunday of every month, it was postponed to second Sunday this month owing to Chithirai festival.
While a large number of the participants had known about the event in advance through media, many people residing in nearby areas were surprised to see their road transforming into a place of celebration. “We were on our morning walk with and were pleasantly surprised by the event. The Sunday turned out to be happy. We had a very relaxing time,” said S.R. Gnanasekaran, a resident of Khan Palayam Road, who had come with his wife.
S. Anand, a resident of CMR Road, said the event gave a sense of belonging to the city. “This stretch is a nightmare for road users since it is heavily congested on a normal day. However, the event has given a new perspective to this road,” he said.
Many found the stalls set up by Madurai Corporation to create awareness of waste segregation and rainwater harvesting useful.
When Corporation Commissioner Sandeep Nanduri asked on stage on how many had attended the first edition of the event, a majority of the hands went up. “The event has really taken off no, if the increased participation of people from all walks of life is any indication. Now, many people are asking us to bring the event to their neighbourhood in the subsequent months,” he told the media later.
Saplings were planted on the roadside during the event. A blood donation camp was also conducted by Government Rajaji Hospital.
Sanitary workers, who took part in the clean-up of the road for the event, were honoured by Collector K. Veera Raghava Rao.
