Stalin virtually kick-starts work to build free rest halls, health facilities on Girivalam path

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.

HR&CE officials said that new rest halls and bathing facilities are the first major amenities that will be available for devotees on the path. During festival seasons like Karthigai Deepam, devotees, especially senior citizens and women, find it difficult to get accommodation in such rest halls on the path.

HR&CE officials also said that the work covers two segments, namely the construction of rest halls and bathing facilities for devotees. Each rest hall, on an average, covers 361 sq. metres of space at seven identified locations on the path.

It will be a tiled floor with seating arrangements to accommodate at least 550 persons at a time. LED lights and R.O. water filtration facilities will be provided. Power lines to charge electrical devices like mobile phones and laptops will also be available.

As part of security measures, CCTV cameras will be installed, and security personnel will be deployed to ensure the safety of devotees. Ramps will be built for persons with disabilities for easy access to the facility, which will function round the clock. Visitors will also be allowed to consume food in these halls.

The work also involves the construction of 14 bathing facilities for devotees. Each bathing facility will be around 180 sq. metres. Separate changing rooms will be given for men, women and persons with disabilities. Both facilities on the path will be maintained by HR&CE Department.