CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has directed the State Chief Secretary to consider framing a scheme for the development of Rameswaram and the Ramanathaswamy temple on par with other important pilgrim centres like Tirupati and Madurai, keeping in view the needsof the pilgrims, tourists and the local people.Justice KK Sasidharan, who gave the direction on June 23, also directed the Chief Secretary to submit an action taken report (ATR) to the court on or before December 31.“The Chief Minister, considering the lack of infrastructural and civic facilities, has announced a scheme worth Rs 190 crore to develop Srirangam as a major pilgrimage centre. Rameswaram appears to be another major pilgrimage centre which has been neglected for many years. This shrine also requires the immediate attention of the government and similar packages,” the judge said.The judge was disposing of writ petitions from S Pakshi Sivarajan and S Bala. The first petitioner prayed for a direction to the authorities of the Ramanathaswamy temple to carry out repair to the golden idol of the deity at the temple. The second petitioner challenged the orders of the temple authorities cancelling the contract given for parking of vehicles.Earlier, by an order dated February 22, the judge appointed Commissioners to visit the temple and the town and they submitted their recommendations on February 28 last. The report, an elaborate one covering many aspects, was an eye opener to all concerned, the judge said, and hoped that the government would take appropriate action on a time bound manner on the report.
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