While almost all participants at a public hearing held on creation of Tenkasi district welcomed the move, they differed only on the taluks to be annexed with the new district.
At the public hearing held here on Saturday, chaired by Commissioner for Revenue Administration (CRA) K. Satyagopal, on the proposed bifurcation of Tirunelveli district into Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts, people from all walks of life, MPs and MLAs gave their views on the bifurcation orally and also submitted memorandums.
Of the 10 Assembly segments, Radhapuram, Nanguneri, Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli and Ambasamudram constituencies are likely to be retained with Tirunelveli district while Alangulam, Tenkasi, Kadayanallur, Vasudevanallur (Reserved) and Sankarankovil (Reserved) segments may go to the new Tenkasi district. However, people from Alangulam were against the move saying that they want to be with Tirunelveli district.
“Since our people are dependent on Tirunelveli for education and healthcare, we want to be with the parent district instead of being part of Tenkasi district,” said advocate Paulraj of Congress.
Participants from Thevarkulam, Melaneelithanallur, Panaivadalichathram, Mukkoodal, Paappakudi and Kallidaikurichi also wanted to remain with Tirunelveli district.
Almost every member from Sankarankovil in the public hearing wanted the headquarters of Tenkasi district to be established in their town considering its inherent potential to grow vertically with the powerloom units and farming sector, particularly floriculture.
“If you are keen on establishing the headquarters either at Tenkasi or somewhere else, kindly allow us to remain with Tirunelveli district,” they appealed.
Those who participated in the public hearing from Kongaraayakurichi, Srivaikundam, Karungulam etc., all situated along the Tamirabharani water course in neighbouring Thoothukudi district and just 15 km away from Palayamkottai, appealed to Mr. Satyagopal to recommend to the State Government to bring their villages under Tirunelveli district considering the proximity.
“Since we have to travel for about 40 km to reach Thoothukudi, our areas may be attached to Tirunelveli as it will be easy for us to reach the headquarters,” the participants said.
When the MPs and MLAs from the district met Dr. Satyagopal, Tirunelveli MP S. Gnanathiraviam said Nanguneri, Radhapuram and Thisaiyanvilai taluks, now affiliated to Cheranmahadevi Revenue Division, should be brought under Valliyoor where a new Revenue Division should be created.
Moreover, Valliyoor town panchayat should be upgraded as a municipality with a district headquarters hospital. The office of the Joint Director of Health Services, now functioning in Tenkasi should be shifted to Valliyoor, he said.
“Tenkasi district should be allowed to function with Tenkasi, Kadayanallur, Vasudevanallur (Reserved) and Sankarankovil (Reserved) segments and Alangulam constituency should remain with Tirunelveli district,” Mr. Gnanathiraviam said.
Dr. Satyagopal said he would present the report as early as possible so that the government could complete the exercise on forming the district soon. “Meanwhile, Arun Sundar Thayalan, who is working on the formation of various departments in the new district, will assess the required staff strength and submit his report to the government,” the CRA said.
District Collector Shilpa Prabhakar Satish, Special Officer for Tenkasi district G. K. Arun Sundar Thayalan, Superintendent of Police P. Ve Arunshakthikumar, Sub-Collectors P. Akash of Cheranmahadevi and Manish Naranavare of Tirunelveli were present.
A similar meeting was also organised at Sri Parasakthi College for Women at Courtallam.
