With the verdict in the Jayalalithaa’s appeal against conviction in the disproportionate assets case behind, the stage is set for fast-tracking the infrastructure development and renovation works related to the conduct of the Mahamaham festival in February next.
Works estimated to cost Rs. 350 crore are to be undertaken in the run up to the grand event that falls once in 12 years.
So far, several works costing Rs.180 crore are under various stages of completion to cater to the demands of the estimated 75 lakh pilgrims expected to converge this time in Kumbakonam.
A perceptible sluggishness crept in after the unseating of Ms. Jayalalithaa as Chief Minister about seven months ago.
Although senior State officials did come on inspection tours to Kumbakonam to monitor the progress of works, the pep was palpably missing.
All that has now changed with the Thanjavur district administration shifting gears to complete all infrastructure and development works, renovation of important shrines and related administrative toning up well ahead of the Mahamaham festival.
Among the important works to be carried out by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department in Kumbakonam and its neighbourhood are renovation of 12 Saiva shrines connected to the main Teerthavari ritual at the Mahamaham tank at a cost of Rs. 4.31 crore, renovation of five major Vainava shrines at a cost of Rs. 2.65 crore, renovation of 52 temples around Kumbakonam at a cost of Rs. 3.76 crore, renovation of Mahamaham tank at Rs. 75 lakh, Potramarai tank at Rs. 21.30 lakh, Varaha Perumal tank at Rs. 60 lakh, repairing of Adhi Kumbeswarar temple chariots at Rs. 60 lakh, and Sarangapani temple car at a cost of Rs. 20 lakh.
The Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department through the Kumbakonam Municipality has drawn up plans to undertake Rs.45.63-crore worth works, including construction of a new bridge across the River Cauvery at Melacauvery costing Rs. 8 crore, while the Tangedco has submitted plans for Rs. 78.76 crore worth works and the Highways Department has worked out proposals for Rs. 51.35-crore worth works. Likewise, the Rural Development Department has listed works worth Rs. 25 crore and Highways to the tune of another Rs. 90.90 crore.
Backlog
While all those proposals have been forwarded to the State government, the nod has been received for less than three-quarters of them of which Rs. 180-crore worth works have been progressing. The final word on the rest has not been heard, but the severe time shortage gives room to believe that some of the proposals might not see the light of day.
Public and traders here are pushing for expeditious completion of on-going works pointing to the fast approaching D-day.
The legal tussle at the Karnataka High Court could have affected the pace of the works but the new dawn must invigorate the endeavour for ensuring a smooth Mahamaham, sections here aver.
That is something the administration officials also hope to achieve.
