Madurai reader’s mail – The Hindu

Urban expansion

There is a proposal to shift Madurai Central Prison to a new location near Melur, and Corporation plans to convert the vacated land into a Semmozhi Park. However, with Madurai expanding rapidly and the population steadily rising, the land could be put to more pressing public use.

Government Rajaji Hospital is currently the only major multi-speciality government facility catering to patients from Madurai and neighbouring districts. The vacated prison site could instead be utilised to establish an exclusive government maternity and paediatric hospital. If space permits, additional departments may also be accommodated. Such a move would greatly benefit residents of the southern and western parts of the city.

C.A.Pradeep,

Pudur

Repair parapet walls (with photo)

The Viraganur Regulator across the Vaigai River, constructed in 1975 to regulate irrigation in Madurai and Sivaganga districts, is now in a poor state of maintenance. The parapet wall of the check dam has been severely damaged, posing a safety risk to motorists travelling between the north and south banks.

The metal road atop the dam is also dilapidated and requires urgent repair. I request the Public Works Department and the local administration to take up restoration work on a war footing in the interest of public safety.

G. Chittibabu,

K. K. Nagar

Damaged manhole

Several sewage line manhole covers in the city are in a damaged condition. At West Veli Street, in front of Karpagam Hotel, the cover has been dislodged, posing a risk to pedestrians and motorists.

The authorities concerned should remove the damaged structures and refix proper manhole covers at the earliest

S.N.M.T. Nagarajan,

Nagamalai

Second capital

Madurai, with a recorded history of over 2,500 years, is widely regarded as the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. The city, included under the AMRUT (Smart City) mission, has well-developed infrastructure, including international air connectivity, a High Court Bench, AIIMS facilities, reputed private hospitals and professional colleges.

With Chennai becoming increasingly congested and distant for people from southern districts, decentralisation of the administrative set-up would improve efficiency and spur economic growth and employment. It is therefore time the State considers declaring Madurai as the second capital of Tamil Nadu.

S. Kanagavel Manoharan,

K.K. Nagar