Entertainment-starved Tiruchiites quench thirst on dry Cauvery bed

For entertainment– starved Tiruchiites, the dry Cauvery especially the stretch from the Garuda Mandapam bathing ghat to the Cauvery bridge is the new recreation spot, albeit temporarily.

Enjoying the fresh whiff of cool breeze sitting on the sand and taking a gentle walk on the dry bed on a Sunday evening, young and the old seemed to thoroughly relish the spot as a la Marina beach front.

For many who have all along been used to standing along the Cauvery bridge, the new recreation spot in the nearly one-kilometre stretch along the dry river bed does provide a refreshing feel.

The stretch was transformed into a temporary recreation spot after the corporation and the Public Works Department cleared the bushes; made arrangements for lighting facilities on the dry bed; and provided water tanks on the bathing ghat.

It is indeed a great outing spot, felt many city residents who wanted deployment of adequate police strength and suggested provision of dustbins and toilets.

Some visitors wanted the spot to be kept free from plastic wastes.

“We hit upon the idea of converting the stretch into a recreation spot realising that Tiruchiites are deprived of entertainment,” said Minister for School Education, Sports and Youth Welfare N.R. Sivapathi after interacting with the public at the spot on Sunday night.

This is only a temporary recreation spot and the arrangements made were only provisional, he added.

Mobile toilets and dustbins would be provided and daily maintenance by the sanitary workers would be ensured by the corporation, said Mr. Sivapathi, who was accompanied by MLA R. Manohar, Mayor A. Jaya, PWD, and civic body officials, said.

Use of disposable plastic items will not be permitted on the dry bed, Mr. Sivapathi said seeking the cooperation of the public. We have planned to erect an open makeshift stage for conducting ‘katha kalatshepam', upanyasam, or bharathanatyam on weekends. This would be provided after consulting with the Chief Minister, he said.