An outlet of the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC) near Girivalam Path of Arunachaleswar temple in Tiruvannamalai was among 31 outlets that were permanently closed in Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur, and Tiruvannamalai districts.

It comes after The Hindu reported on May 18, highlighting the plight of devotees in using the Girivalam Path near the temple, as they have to pass through the outlet in the area. This was the only outlet that was closed in Tiruvannamalai town. “Steps to shut down the outlet near the path is a welcome measure as devotees including women and older people can walk safely,” said S. Keerthana, a resident.

The closure of outlets comes after Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on May 12 directed authorities to shut down 717 TASMAC shops located within 500 metres of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands across the State in two weeks.

The District Collector is the nodal officer to decide on shut down of such identified outlets. “Such outlets in villages and towns are being closed across the district. Identification of more such shops are also underway,” Tiruvannamalai Collector K. Tharpagaraj told The Hindu.

TASMAC officials said that 20 outlets were closed in Tiruvannamalai, the highest number of closure among the four districts. Seven shops were closed in Ranipet and four shops were closed in Vellore.

Identification of such outlets in Tirupattur district is currently underway. “Three outlets that are closer to each other in Kagithapattarai under Vellore Corporation are also under scanner for closure due to public complaints on overcrowding,” said S. Sathiyam Ram, District Manager, TASMAC (Vellore).

At present, these four districts together have a total of 385 outlets. . Of this, Tiruvannamalai district has the highest number of outlets: 206, followed by Ranipet: 83, Vellore: 60, and Tirupattur: 36.

TASMAC officials said that prior to May 12’s Government Order, new TASMAC outlets were opened 100 metres away from places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands in villages. In towns and cities, new outlets can be opened within 50 metres of these institutions and facilities.