The Mayiladuthurai municipality has taken up a work on the construction of ‘yatri nivas’ in the town taking advantage of the availability of land near the municipal school, now defunct.
The work is being executed under the Centrally-sponsored scheme for developing heritage towns to provide adequate basic infrastructure to tourists and devotees at an estimate of Rs.44 lakh. Taken up about a couple of months ago, it will be completed by mid-November, sources said on Monday.
Mayiladuthurai attracts a large number of tourists and pilgrims. Many pilgrims on padayatras to various centres including Velankanni, Vaitheeswarankovil and Kumbakonam pass through the town. “It was found that a large number of devotees use the railway stations and other places in and around Mayiladuthurai for taking rest particularly during the night. So, the proposal was taken up,” the source said. It would ensure safety and privacy for the pilgrims particularly women.
The yatri nivas would have an open dormitory where the pilgrims and devotees would be allowed for a brief stay. Toilet and bathrooms would be constructed.
