Minister for Prohibition and Excise K. Vignesh on Thursday inspected Shanmuganadhi river, Vaiyapuri tank and Idumban tank in Palani in Dindigul district. These waterbodies receive devotees from far and near during the festival time.

The Minister inspected the waterbodies considered holy by devotees, ahead of the launch of a comprehensive cleaning drive, in the presence of Dindigul Collector Durgamoorthi, Palani MLA K. Ravi Manoharan, Nilakottai MLA R. Ayyanar, Palani temple authorities and other officials.

The Minister said all necessary steps have been initiated to clean these important waterbodies in Palani. These measures include cleaning operations, removal of water hyacinth, construction of bathing ghats. Following the cleaning drive development works will be carried out taking in account that these sites are tourist attractions.

Last week, Dindigul Collector Durgamoorthi held a meeting with the officials from various departments regarding the works. Instructions had been issued for the preparation of a report and the estimate for the implementation of the works. Once the reports are finalised, the project works will be carried out, the authorities said.

Necessary measures are being taken to clean and properly maintain these water bodies and to find a permanent solution to maintain them properly. The project works will commence soon with the active participation and full cooperation of the public and volunteers, the authorities said.