Despite enormous scope for tapping tourism potential in Erode, in both entertainment and pilgrim dimensions, the public here are surprised over absence of any step by the State Government to establish an office of the Tamil Nadu Tourism Corporation.
The Tourism Officer of Dharmapuri continues to hold additional charge of Erode district. Bhavani Sagar Dam and Kodiveri Dam are sought-after locations for tourists from far and wide. Every week-end, these locations are crowded.
But the facilities are far from adequate. In particular, the toilets at these places are ill-maintained.
There is keen anticipation that the Tourism Department will speed up creation of a boat house and a park at Avalpoondurai tank spread over a 200-acre expanse, at an estimated Rs. 1.72 crore.
The Bhavani Kooduthurai temple, the Arulmigu Magudeshwarar and Veeranarayanaperumal temple, and the Bannari Amman Temple are among the famous places of worship that are thronged by people from other States as well. According to N. Sivanesan, president of Federation of All Trade and Industries’ Associations, absence of any announcement on improving tourism in Erode, a resourceful district, is a major disappointment.
Western region
While Kodumudi has been rightfully made a taluk headquarters, absence of announcement of a temple tourism circuit linking Bhavani, Tiruchengodu, Erode and other important places of worship in the Western region, a long-felt need, was intriguing, he said.
