The Hindu 16.08.2013
Mayor announces top-class convention centre for Madurai
9.5-acre site identified at Avaniapuram to build air-conditioned facility on the lines of Chennai Trade Centre
Plans are afoot to construct a convention centre at
Avaniapuram at an estimated cost of Rs.6 crore. Around 9.5 acres of
Corporation land have been identified for this purpose.
This
was the major announcement made by Mayor V.V.Rajan Chellappa after
unfurling the national flag in the presence of Corporation Commissioner
R.Nanthagopal and senior officials during the 67th Independence Day
celebrations here on Thursday.
The Mayor said funding for the project was expected to come in from the Tourism Department.
“Encroachments
on the site have been removed and preliminary works will commence
soon,” he said in an informal chat with reporters.
According
to the Corporation Commissioner, the proposed Madurai Convention Centre
will be on the lines of the Chennai Trade Centre.
“Even
though we have Tamukkam Grounds to host big events, there is no
air-conditioned auditorium there. The proposed convention centre will
have A/C halls and adequate parking space,” Mr.Nanthagopal said.
Construction of the compound wall at the site was likely to begin this month, he added.
Dog vaccination
The
Mayor said the proposed mass anti-rabies vaccination drive targeting
stray and domestic dogs would be carried out in all the 100 wards from
September 1 to 15, under the supervision of experts from the
London-based World Veterinary Service.
Mr. Chellappa
also said a special scheme called ‘Azhagiya Madurai Managara Thittam’,
focused on providing basic amenities and sanitation, would run through
the year.
Later, students of various Corporation
schools performed cultural programmes depicting the freedom struggle.Top
performers in public examinations were felicitated.
Deputy
Mayor R.Gopalakrishnan, Chief Town Planning Officer M.Rakkappan, City
Engineer (in-charge) A.Mathuram, zonal chairmen and councillors were
among those who participated in the celebrations.