The Department of Tourism has sent a Rs.12-crore proposal for developing various tourist spots in and around Madurai, said Collector U. Sagayam here on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters, he said that the funds should be sanctioned within two months. Madurai and its peripheries, with a history of 3,000 years, had to be showcased in such a way that it attracted more number of tourists. The tourist spots, which were not being maintained properly, could be transformed through the expertise of professionals and historians.
For instance, the Thirumalai Nayak Palace where sound-and-light shows were being conducted, could be improved in many aspects — for instance, stage artistes could be engaged to enact the role of Nayak.
In more languages
Languages other than Tamil and English must be used widely at heritage sites so that more number of visitors could appreciate the significance of these places. Laser shows could also be conducted in tourist spots.
Yet another plan was to develop Vandiyur tank, Mariamman Teppakulam and Sathayar dam and Viraganoor on Vaigai river. By introducing boat ride in more locations on the lines of Naganakulam tank near Narayanapuram in the city, the TTDC (Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation) could earn more revenue.
Perungamanallur
Apart from building bridges and laying roads with the Rs. 12-crore fund, there was also a proposal to build a memorial at Perungamanallur near Sedapatti on the lines of the Jalianwalah Bagh massacre site, as it is associated with the gunning down of 16 persons by the British to quell an uprising against the Criminal Tribes Act. Such a historic event must be known by everyone. The spot, visited by Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to Madurai, would also get a facelift, Mr. Sagayam said.
