Madurai :

City mayor V V Rajan Chellappa on Wednesday undertook an inspection of the Vaigai river where cleaning operation is being carried. Meanwhile, the Vaigai River Restoration Pageant has planned to recover the grand waterway by restoring its historic value.

The mayor has ordered cleaning operations of the Vaigai river after appointing 200 corporation workers. An initiative was also being taken to plant trees along the Vaigai to add beauty to its existence.

Chellappa said, “We have also planned for an eviction drive to remove all the encroachments along the Vaigai river and expand the roads along it to make it useful for commuters.”

Moreover, the Vaigai River Restoration Pageant in collaboration with Dhan Foundation, an NGO plans to recover the grand waterway by introducing various ideas like social credit to the public and assuring to keep the river clean.

The social credits shall help the public redeem them in the form of health insurance and enrolling themselves for English speaking classes. A Gurunathan, chief executive officer of Dhan Vayalagam (tank) Foundation said, “We are trying to restore the forgotten history of Vaigai river by introducing mythological aspects like that of Lord Shiva so that the people residing in Madurai understand the significance of the river.”

The project is more about making the people understand the importance of river for the farmers and potters. In its bid to sensitise the issue, the project also plans for a walk through the Vaigai river starting from Fathima College to Albert Victor Bridge.

Ahead of Chithirai festival, Dhan Foundation in collaboration with Earths Celebration, an US-based NGO has also planned for a series of 20 to 25 artisans who will be placed along the Vaigai river wearing kavadi dresses and people wearing paper masks showcasing the cultural aspects of the city. The preparations for the restoration pageant will start in the month of December ahead of Chithirai festival.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Madurai / TNN / November 27th, 2014