Members of traders associations, voluntary organisations and various political parties undertook a fast here on Tuesday appealing to the government to implement the four way national high way project between Thanjavur and Nagapattinam in an alternate route as the present route along which the high way is to pass through is affecting thousands of shops, houses and huts.
T.Velayudhan, president of Vilamal Traders’ Association inaugurated the fast. Pirai Arivalagan, president of Consumers protection council, G. Ramakrishnan of CPI (M), representatives from DMK, AIADMK, CPI, CPI (M)), MDMK, DK, voluntary organisations like Rotary clubs participated in the fast.
According to Mr. Velayudhan, the four way national highway by-passes Ammapettai, Needamangalam, Saliyamangalam, Koradachery, Ammaiyappan, Adiyakkamangalam, Sikkal, Anthanapettai between Thanjavur and Nagapattinam. In Tiruvarur alone it enters the town in the present route. Because of this route, huts, houses and shops on Vilamal, Vanmeegapuram, Valavaikkal, Kidarankondan, Thandalai, Bazaar road will get affected. Many hut dwellers that are on temple lands will be evacuated. They will not get compensation also. "If an alternate route is found these people will be saved" Mr. Velayudhan said.
He also clarified that they are not against the four way project. But they are demanding that the road should be laid in a different route. They also suggested that it can be implemented on the semi-circular road around Tiruvarur proposed by the State Government. This road is to be laid at a cost of Rs. 60 crore and if this route is taken, State government can also save Rs. 60 crore for laying this semi-circular road. Shops in the above said to be affected areas remained closed on Tuesday. “We want to draw the attention of the Chief Minister Mr. M.Karunanidhi through our agitation”, they said.
