Tiruchi: Signature campaign launched for facilities at Swamimalai temple

Tiruchi: Claiming that there are no basic facilities for devotees at Swamimalai temple, which is one of the Arupadai veedu of Lord Murugan, residents on Tuesday launched a signature campaign which will be sent to the state government in the form of a petition. Swamimalai is considered the fourth temple among the Arupadai veedu and residents claimed that there is no proper parking facility due to which devotees coming from outside park their vehicles at several public places including Raja veedhi, leading to massive traffic jams near the temple. “We approached the civic and HR and CE officials several times and submitted petitions, but we did not get any proper response from the officials,” said Dinesh Kumar, one of the coordinators. Since there was no proper response, the Swamimalai Conservation and Development Committee launched a signature campaign from the temple premises. Dinesh Kumar further said that the civic administration is charging entry fee to the temple but they do not worry about the poor parking facility which forces devotees to park their vehicles along the roads, affecting traffic movement in the area. “Though a private parking slot has been arranged by the temple administration, there is not enough space there,” he said. Moreover, there are more than 20 marriage halls and 10 lodges near the Swamimalai temple but there are no proper infrastructure facilities and many halls have been constructed by violating norms. “There are many such problems including basic facilities for devotees. Since the officials refuse to take any action, we have started a signature campaign and will send it to the Chief Minister after running the campaign for a week,” Dinesh Kumar said.