Date:15/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/15/stories/2008071552700300.htm

Tamil Nadu

More trains for Tuticorin

The demand for more trains to Tuticorin by the All India Chamber of Commerce and Industries is justified and welcome. But the demand that trains should not enter the town to avoid traffic congestion is ridiculous. In which town has the railway station been shifted to a remote place to avoid congestion? In Tirunelveli, a two-tier overbridge was constructed and in major cities like Chennai and Bangalore, flyovers were constructed to avoid congestion. The Central Station in the heart of Chennai was not shifted to Perambur to avoid congestion.

Construction of bridges or flyovers is the proper solution for a developing town. The authorities in Tuticorin are not able to connect the present railway station to the town by bus service even after a long period. What will happen to poor passengers, if they are to detrain at a far off place like Milavittan?

N. Kasilingam,

Tuticorin.

Provide water at railway station

Tourists from far and near gather at Kanyakumari and for their journey home they wait at its railway station. But the pathetic situation is that water is not available in taps meant for drinking and at toilets. The doors of the toilet are locked, preventing tourists from answering calls of nature.

Even the well from where water is pumped for Kanyakumari station is almost dry. An alternative arrangement may be made to provide drinking water as well as water for urinals and toilets.

V. Kumar,

Thekkurichy.

Ban illegal sand mining

There is a surge in illegal sand mining and exploitation of river sand in Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts. According to the Madras High Court order issued on July 15, 1999, river management committees or action panels should be set up to ensure that sand is mined in contravention of restrictions.

Permanent markers should be fixed in the river bed and sand mining stopped wherever necessary. But no such rules are being followed.

As a result, both illegal sand mining and over mining are taking place in these districts.

Therefore, I request the Collectors to take severe action against those involved in illegal sand mining and ensure a free and fair sand mining.

P. Senthil Saravana Durai,

Vazhavallan.