Tirunelveli reader’s mail – The Hindu

Airport access

The newly inaugurated terminal at Thoothukudi airport is a welcome addition to the region’s infrastructure. However, a major traffic management issue needs immediate attention. Although the airport has a separate entry and exit, the dedicated entrance gate remains closed most of the time. As a result, all vehicles dropping or picking up passengers are forced to use the exit gate only. With around a dozen flights every day, this creates traffic congestion and increases the risk of accidents. The purpose of constructing separate access roads is defeated if only one is put to use. Airport Authority of India should take prompt steps to open the designated entrance gate and ensure that the entry and exit roads function as originally intended. This simple measure would improve traffic flow, enhance passenger convenience and significantly strengthen road safety around the airport.

S. Sivasailam,

Thoothukudi.

Power shutdown alert

On August 4, 2026, there was a power cut from V.M. Chatram to NGO Colony areas in Tirunelveli. Tangedco did not provide any prior information about the power shutdown either through SMS or newspapers. Residents at home were the worst affected, with infants and senior citizens having a tough time in the scorching heat. It is earnestly requested that in future, prior intimation may please be given by the authorities.

A.M.N. Pandian,

NGO ‘A’ Colony

Road woes

Mangamma Salai is a link road that connects the national highway with Maharaja Nagar. It connects the service road on both sides of the national highways beneath the rail over bridge. Most vehicles coming from the national highways use Mangamma Salai to enter Maharaja Nagar and Highground. But this road has been in a dilapidated condition for several years with mud and gravel, making it difficult to travel particularly for school going children. Even after the completion of UGDS work, a proper road has not been laid. Immediate steps should be taken to lay a proper road and make Mangamma Salai a two-way road, which would greatly benefit commuters.

H. Syed Othuman,

Maharaja Nagar.

River pollution

This is with a reference to the news report, “No action taken as people continue to wash vehicles in Thamirabarani,” published in The Hindu on August 8, 2026. Apart from vehicle washing, open defecation is another issue contributing to the pollution of Thamirabharani waters. This is visible to those who pass the eastern bridge of the North Bypass Road. If public or pay and use toilets with water facilities are built on the banks of this river, this problem could easily be solved. The health hazard posed by pollution of Thamirabarani river will continue as long as the Tirunelveli corporation does not fully complete the UGDS system which is progressing at snail pace. Until then, any efforts of spending money towards cleaning Thamirabarani will be in vain.

Rajakumar Arulanandham,

Palayamkottai.

Park protection

Sir C.P. Ramasamy Iyer Memorial Park in Nagercoil was inaugurated on December 19, 1943 in an area of 4.448 acres, and is under Tamil Nadu’s Parks, Playfields and Open Space Preservation Act of 1959. It prohibits the earmarked area for any non-park activities. However, it is now reduced because of an overhead water tank, a commercial complex and a hall. But still, amenities like public restrooms, slides, paid parking lots and walking tracks are available. Recently no entry fee was charged for walking in the morning hours. As this park offers a calm atmosphere among the trees, the corporation and district administration are requested to save the park from commercialisation and make it free entry throughout the day.

G. Stanley Jeyasingh,

Nagercoil.