Date:04/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/04/stories/2006100415640200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

IT corridor gives new lease of life to wayside shrines

T.S. Shankar

Road construction company wins plaudits for reconstructing temples, mosques

CORPORATE INITIATIVE: The reconstructed Thulukanathamman Temple in Sholinganallur set amidst a landscaped 1.6 acre plot along the IT Corridor. — Photo: Shaju John

CHENNAI: For the Tamil Nadu Road Development Company (TNRDC) employees working on the 20-km IT corridor project, the challenge of the job can hardly be overstated.

One aspect of their work that has come in for appreciation from the local community was the reconstruction of several shrines falling within the right-of-way acquired for the project.

"In all 19 temples have been reconstructed. The reconstructed Thulukanathamman temple in Sholinganallur, set amidst a lush and landscaped 1.6 acre plot, stands testimony to the TNRDC's commitment to a holistic approach to the project," Sabina Narayan, Design and Community Development Coordinator, said.

The cost — about Rs.50 lakh — is being met by the State Government along with the land acquisition costs. Emphasis was laid on ensuring that the reconstructed structures were of superior quality, and looked better than the earlier structures. Also, the affected structures were removed only after the new temples were built and consecrated with the necessary rituals.

A landmark now

The temple attracts a large number of worshippers, and has emerged as a landmark in the region, distinguishable by a red-coloured signpost, says V. Ramkumar, Manager - Landscaping of TNRDC.

The mosque at Semmancheri, a minaret at Navalur, and the portico of a church at Seevaram were also reconstructed. Two statues of prominent political leaders were also shifted.

K. Malmarugan, Vice-President - New Initiatives, said the company decided that the reconstruction of religious structures would be taken up only after availability of an alternative site was identified. The new locations were identified by the locals. The company then engaged stapathis to design and construct the new structures, after consulting the residents.

In all, 15 temples were reconstructed by the stapathis engaged by the company. The reconstruction of four temples was taken up by the trustees, and the cost paid out of the allocated budget of Rs.50 lakh. Likewise, the reconstruction of the mosque, minaret and the portico of the church were done by the trustees or religious bodies. Each temple has now been provided with an aesthetically designed name board and landscaped surroundings (wherever land is available).

A number of corporate houses have shown interest in assisting in the maintenance and upkeep of the temple and its environs.