Tirunelveli reader’s mail – The Hindu

Build ROB immediately

Everyone in Tirunelveli is awaiting the commencement of Rail Over Bridge (ROB) construction at Kulavanigarpuram, as decades have passed since the announcement of the ROB project. After facing a legal battle at the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court and obtaining legal clearance by compensating the landowners, it is now high time for the construction to begin without further delay. As the railway gate closes several times a day, the construction of ROB will end the inconvenience faced by the public. Even though former CM M.K. Stalin had announced in 2022 at Palayamkottai that the ROB construction would commence immediately, but it has not happened. This time the public is in full hope that the ₹120 crore’Y’ shaped bridge project will be executed on a war foot basis, as it serves as the gateway to the twin cities and government hospitals in Highground.

H. Syed Othuman,

Maharaja Nagar.

Restore Pazhayar river

Pazhayar, the key waterbody in “Nanjilnaadu” of Kanniyakumari is suffering severe ecological distress from its starting point in Mahendragiri to its end point in the Arabian Sea at Manakudy. Due to the obstruction in river flow at many places, Thovalai taluk experiences floods during the monsoon seasons. Thazhakudy village which is located between Nanjilnaadu Puthanar Channel and Pazhayar, is regularly affected by floods caused by overflowing Pazhayar river.

Thazhakudy has two paddy cultivation areas Veerakeralappanery Puravu and Nacchiyarputhukulam Puravu. These cultivation areas total more than 550 hectares of paddy fields. However untreated sewage discharge, indiscriminate dumping of solid waste, the widespread growth of aquatic weeds and unmindful encroachments along both banks have reduced the river to the size of the stream. The small check dam at Veeranarayanamangalam and Therekalputhoor, does not serve any purpose either for water flow or prevention of flood. As a result, the river overflows during the monsoon, damaging paddy fields in Thazhakudy. Will the authorities take necessary steps to restore Pazhayar to its original form and protect the river basin of Thazhakudy?

B. Nagalingam Pillai,

Thazhakudy.

Road safety

The recently developed speed reducers at the V.M. Chatram junctions have proved to be ineffective, as the motorists are indulging in the practice of driving their vehicles without minding these speed reducers. Instead of speed reducers, highway authorities may consider developing speed breakers. In the meantime, the residents of the area feel that additional speedbreakers are essential to prevent major accidents, as vehicles travelling towards Tiruchendur often pass through the junction at high speed. One speed breaker on either side of the four approach roads of the junction must be provided. This will be very useful for the residents of TNHB Colony as well as the general public. The concerned authorities are requested to look into the matter and do the needful.

N.Ganesan,

V.M. Chatram.

Mineral transport

Tons of mineral sources such as stones, M-sand and gravel are transported regularly from the southern districts to the neighbouring state. The ban on the inter-state transportation of minerals is intended to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s natural resources and to avoid fatal road accidents. But mining minerals is essential for revenue generation and employment. The mineral laden trucks on roads had created traffic congestion and a number of accidents. Hence transporting minerals by rail will be cost effective and eco-friendly. Each railcar can replace more than five trucks and move a significant volume of minerals. The authorities are requested to encourage rail transportation of minerals, instead of a total ban.

G.Stanely Jeyasingh,

Nagercoil.