There are too many encroachments on the Kumbakonam-Mayiladuthurai Main Road obstructing free flow of traffic. Haphazard parking of vehicles on either side of the road adds to the chaos. The road is an important one catering to heavy traffic and the Highways Department should remove all encroachments and keep the road clean. The road should be widened and re-laid to check the frequent accidents.
K. Santhanam,
Kumbakonam
Venture funds
and farmers
The suicide of a farmer near Valangaiman only exposes the chinks in our rural development planning and implementation. The incident comes in the backyard of one of the best Krishi Vigyan Kendras of the State. The incident should wake up all right-thinking people to create new financial avenues such as venture funding for farmers. Innovations in farm sector should be encouraged.
V. Srinivasan,
Thirupanandal
Off-season rain
ruins farmers
Off-season rains and lack of awareness among farmers about crop insurance and their inability to pay huge premiums have added to their misery. What is the earthly use of extending the subsidy to farmers and procuring foodgrains at higher rates without setting right the irrigation facilities properly? At this juncture, the comprehensive insurance scheme on the anvil providing for a subsidy in the premium will warm the cockles of the small and marginal farmers
R. Pichumani,
Thippirajapuram
Have more
NET centres
University Grants Commission (UGC) and CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) conduct NET to select eligible persons for assistant professors and junior research fellows (JRF). Unfortunately, there are only four examination centres in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tiruchir for UGC-NET conducted by CBSE and just two centers in Chennai and Karaikudi for CSIR-NET. As the applicants have to travel a long distance to appear for the exam, they find it difficult to go to the venue in time and students in rural areas hesitate to apply for the exams. The UGC and CSIR may consider setting up more exam centres for the benefit of the NET aspirants.
A. Haja Abdul Khader,
Adirampattinam
Bus stand turns
an eyesore
A passenger shelter at the Old Bus stand area in Pudukottai has been an eyesore following stagnation of water. Stagnant and polluted water poses a health hazard to the passengers. Deposit of plastic waste from the adjoining shops hinders the flow of wastewater. Adequate drainage facility should be provided in the area as the problem worsens during the monsoon.
M. Jayabalan,
Nizam Colony, Pudukottai
Spruce up
Pudhukulam
The Pudukottai Municipality should take steps for beautification of the Pudhukulam area — a sprawling water body bordering four wards in the town.
Although some works were taken up under the special funds sanctioned by the State government to mark the centenary of the municipality, a few more works had been left out. For instance, the clearing of bushes and thick vegetation and planting of saplings on all sides of the tank were yet to be taken out.
K. Vezhavendan,
Pudukottai
Remembering
Gandhiji’s visit
As an octogenarian and a Gandhian worker, I participated in the events organised as part of the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s first visit to Mayiladuthurai, Tarangampadi, and Porayar on April 30 and at Thillayadi on May 1. It was evident that there was not much awareness on the historical visit of Gandhiji to these places in 1915.
The local bodies in Mayiladuthurai, Tarangambadi and Porayar should take steps to perpetuate the memory of his visit to these places. A Gandhi statue can be erected at the railway station in Mayiladathurai. The Thillayadi Valliammai Memorial Hall need immediate renovation and new exhibits added to this memorial hall.
K. Bala Sundaram,
Dharmapuri
Send phone bills
Of late, we are not receiving phone bills for using BSNL land line. We were informed that the BSNL had already sent the bills by post. Because of non-receipt of bill, we have to go to Kodavasal from our village to make the payment. Senior citizens use only landline for communication and they find it to difficult to go to Kodavasal. The Department of Post and BSNL should solve the above problem immediately.
Mali and Mani,
Vishnupuram
Develop picnic spots
The Tiruchirapalli City Corporation and Tamil Nadu Tourism Department can go in for joint development of Mukkombu and Kallanai. The two places should be provided with more children play area and space for elders to sit and relax. Artificial fountains, falls, and other entertainment avenues could be created with private participation.
Nallasivan G.,
Kailasapuram
Build a bridge at
Needamangalam
There are four railway level-crossings besides the one at Needamangalam railway station on the Thanjavur-Tiruvarur highway causing undue traffic congestion. As the highway runs across the Needamangalam railway station, a bridge here will be of great relief to the road users. At most level-crossings, pedestrians, cyclists and two-wheeler riders do not stop when the gate is closed and try to sneak in. The gates should be a complete barrier across the entire width of the railway crossing to prevent accidents.
V. Sundararaju,
Tiruchi
Tiruchi can be
second capital
Tiruchi is situated at the heart of Tamil Nadu and one can reach the city within five to six hours from any part of Tamil Nadu. So, it deserves the status of “second capital” of Tamil Nadu as mooted by the former Chief Minister late M.G. Ramachendran. By making Tiruchi the second capital, the ever increasing congestion in Chennai can be reduced to a great extent. An international airport is already there in Tiruchi. Apart from this, the city has a host of educational institutions and tourist attractions around.
H. Ghouse Baig,
Crawford
