The Puthur weir in the city, situated amidst sylvan surroundings, is now turning into a favourite haunt for youth and families looking to spend leisure time.
Ever since the release of water in Uyyakondan canal for irrigation, a large number of city residents have been thronging the spot to take a dip in the water cascading over the not-too-steep rocks. The crowd swells on holidays.
The construction of an aqueduct to regulate water flow in Uyyakondan river has improved accessibility to the spot. The aqueduct was built as part of the flood prevention project executed in by the Public Works department in the wake of the 2005 floods. It runs for a length of about 360 metres and connects the bunds of the Koraiyar and the Uyyakondan rivers.
Walkers and nature lovers too throng the verdant spot for a whiff of fresh air.
The Kuzhumaiyi Amman Temple too attracts a steady stream of devotees, many of whom now prefer to take a bath.
The Puthur Weir is the confluence point of the Koraiyar and the Uyyakondan. The Kudamuritti canal also originates from here and drains into the Cauvery near Karur Highway.
A section of city residents feel the site should be developed as a picnic spot.
“The water flow has brought alive the area. We do not have too many places in the city to spend our leisure time. This can be the ideal spot for people to hang out, if some basic amenities are provided. The access roads along the Uyyakondan and Kudamuritti canals should be strengthened. Similarly, the bund along the Koraiyar from the Dindigul Road to Puthur Weir should also be widened as a motorable road,” said R. Gopalakrishnan, a city resident.
Activists such as V. Sundararaju, a former district forest officer and president, Society for Conservation of Nature, has also been advocating developing the area as a picnic spot. A few development works such as creating bathing enclosures would make it an ideal leisure spot.
A proposal to establish a park at the spot, mooted soon after the construction of the aqueduct, has not materialised so far.
