All parks in Thoothukudi will be renovated by January 10, says Mayor

Corporation Council meeting under way in Thoothukudi on Friday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

All parks within Thoothukudi corporation limits would be renovated by January 10, said Mayor Jegan Periyasamy here on Friday.

He made this announcement at the Corporation council meeting which started with a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who died on Thursday.

Eight resolutions were passed at the meeting. Some of the notable ones include the increase in licence fees for business entities, commercial establishments and industries within the corporation area, extension of contract period for the firm that maintains the crematorium on Palayamkottai Road and allocation of ₹4.80 lakh from public funds for zumba and yoga instructors at the women’s park for the period November to March.

At the meeting, AIADMK councilor Manthiramurthy and CPI (M) councilor Muthumari raised objections to the proposed increase in licence fees. In response, the Mayor clarified that the decision was not made by the Corporation but by the State government. He added that the licence fee structure would be fixed in a manner that would not affect the people much.

Another CPI(M) councillor Dhanalakshmi expressed concern over the status of parks across the city and emphasised the need for their immediate restoration. She said parks were the only form of recreation in many parts of Thoothukudi and were thronged by the public during holidays. water stagnation and inadequate lighting in the parks required urgent attention, she said.

Addressing these concerns, Mr. Jegan said that all the parks would be renovated by January 10, well ahead of Pongal holidays.

Moreover, in the recent rains, only wards 16,17, and 18 experienced flooding due to overflow of canals and stagnation at vacant plots. “We have conducted a comprehensive inspection of the problem areas and measures will be taken to prevent flooding, particularly in vacant lands,” he said.

The Mayor also proposed a resolution to congratulate eminent Communist leader R. Nallakannu on his centenary birthday celebration.

Additionally, AIADMK and Congress members highlighted the issue of water stagnation, stray cattle menace, dust pollution on Tiruchendur Road and rampant garbage disposal by the public.

Corporation Commissioner L. Madhubalan and Deputy Mayor S. Jenitta were present at the meeting.