A journey to Puliancholai, a popular picnic spot in Tiruchi district located about 72-km away from the city, will soon be a comfortable one as the State government has approached World Bank for funding for re-laying the road.
According to official sources, the fund will help in re-laying the road to Puliancholai from Uppilliyapuram, and for construction of bio-toilets at the location.
Health-conscious tourists throng the location to have a bath in the stream that meanders at Puliancholai after flowing down the Koli hills, traversing through vegetations of herbs. Picnickers from far and near visit the location, particularly during weekends, for this purpose. Their main grouse has been absence of proper toilets and changing rooms. The Tourism department devised the proposal for bio-toilets factoring in the felt need of the visitors.
According to a survey by the Forest department, more than half of the 200 plant species have medicinal values. The stream is a natural bathing area for the tourists throughout the year, says a promotional campaign material of the Tourism department.
The department’s proposals for re-laying road and construction of bio-toilets to give a facelift for Puliancholai have been forwarded by the State government to World Bank. Funding from the bank is expected, T. Jegadeeshwari, District Tourism Officer, said.
There has been feedback from Uppiliapuram Panchayat Union and the Forest department that there are more number of tourists visiting Puliancholai and Pachamalai during the weekends, Ms. Jegadeeshwari said.
A proposal mooted by Tangedco for construction of a check dam at Puliancholai as part of the 1 x 20 MW Kollimalai Hydro Electric Project, which is under execution, is expected to add to the visual charm of the location, the sources added.
