Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday virtually kick-started work to construct seven rest halls and 14 health facilities, at a cost of ₹22.11 crore, on the 14-km-long Girivalam path in Tiruvannamalai town for devotees, including persons with disabilities.
Officials of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department said that the rest halls will provide a much-needed break for devotees, especially senior citizens, women and persons with disabilities who undertake a trek on the path.
Ahead of commissioning the works, Collector K. Tharpagaraj inspected the site to build the rest halls. “Each rest hall on the Girivalam path will be large and open with adequate water and lighting facilities. The entire work will be completed in six months,” R. Manivannan, Executive Engineer (EE), HR&CE (Tiruvannamalai), told The Hindu.
As the path is located near a reserve forest, the entire route has been fenced by the Forest Department to prevent wild animals from trespassing into the town. “Free rest halls on the Girivalam path should have adequate security to ensure the safety of women and children. Based on patronage, the number of free rest halls on the path should be increased,” said R. Padmavathi, a devotee.
