The New Indian Express 18.11.2010
NHAI lays Rs 4 crore footpath on Girivalam
According to a highway official the work on footpath with cement tile flooring at an estimated cost of Rs 4 crore began in September and was expected to be completed before the Deepam festival.
The remaining 1.2-km distance would be completed in a month, he added.The footpath has come as a boon for the devotees.
Rajalakshmi (65) of Thirukovilur, who has been taking part in the Girivalam for more than 20 years, said that the footpath would help the pilgrims to have a safe journey as they trek through the Tiruvannamalai-Bangalore highway which would always be busy with movement of heavy vehicles.
In addition, the potholes were also being filled up and just a few more remain to be covered,the official said. While the work had almost been finished within the Tiruvannamalai Municipality limit, the 700-m Chengam road was still in a bad shape.
The delay has been attributed to the unfinished Underground Drainage (UGD) works.
The 11th hour initiative of the municipality to fill those pits with mud with a solid concrete base has been affected in the heavy rains this week.
Despite these efforts, public doubt if the road would be able to withstand the prevailing weather conditions.
‘Expedite UGD works’
Director of Municipal Administration P Senthil Kumar urged the Tiruvannamalai Municipality and Tamilnadu Water And Drainage (TWAD) board to speed up the ongoing Underground Drainage (UGD) works on Chengam Road here on Wednesday, after inspecting the ongoing UGD works and the construction of the sewage water treatment plant.
He also reviewed temporary bus stands, electricity connectivity, lighting, toilet facilities and water supply made for the devotees ahead of the Deepam celebration on Sunday.
