A tourism development plan for Thiruvanaikovil, where the famous Sri Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Temple is located, is likely to be sanctioned soon. The temple is one of the ‘panchabootha sthalam' and is visited throughout the year by tourists and devotees.
According to sources, a proposal for implementing the project at an estimate of Rs.5.22 crore is to be forwarded to the State Tourism Department soon from the officials here.
The sources said the project would involve construction of four decorative entrance arches, landscaping, improvement of roads, and drainage and lighting arrangements around the temple.
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The Corporation would execute the work outside the temple at an estimate of Rs.3.77 crore and the remaining funds is proposed to be given to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department for executing development work inside the temple.
Of this, about Rs.96 lakh is proposed to be spent for improving the roads on the south and north inner streets; Rs.80.75 lakh for provision of lighting arrangements around the Sannidhi street, inner streets and the link roads, and Rs.1.52 crore for providing pavements along the north, west and south inner roads at Thiruvanaikovil. Besides, public toilets would be provided. Corporation Commissioner K.Veera Raghava Rao inspected the sites identified for the implementation of the development works on Wednesday.
Other proposed works include development of the temple tank (Teppakulam), tourist/pilgrims rest shed, an accommodation for budget travellers (with about 10 rooms) and a pilgrims reception centre.
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