Building materials expo takes off in Coimbatore
Sandalwood smuggler caught in Coimbatore
Man trampled to death by wild elephant during morning walk near Coimbatore
Video of elephant calf with empty beer bottle at Masinagudi goes viral
COIMBATORE: In a viral video of an elephant calf with an empty beer bottle discarded at Masinagudi in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) has sparked a debate regarding the effectiveness of Tasmacs bottle buy-back scheme, besides concerns about the harmful bottles discarded in forest areas will cause to the environment and wildlife. N Sadiq Ali, founder of Wildlife and Nature Conservation Trust (WNCT), said We regularly see people consuming liquor sitting inside a vehicle and throwing the bottles on the road along the forest area. Though animals may not swallow the bottles, it would definitely harm their feet if they step on broken bottles. He further added, There were incidents where the animals faced difficulties in walking after they got injured by broken glass pieces. Tasmac has closed shops in Masinagudi and Theppakadu, as they come under MTR, but a few illegal bars are functioning in Masinagudi. The Nilgiris collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneru should direct officials to look into the issue. MTR Field Director R. Kiruba Shankar said he will look into the issue and take adequate measures to address it.
Congress will seek more seats from DMK in 2026, says TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai
ERODE: Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K Selvaperunthagai on Wednesday said the party will demand more seats from the DMK during the 2026 Assembly elections. Addressing media persons in Erode. Selvaperunthagai said Our national leadership decided to concede the Erode East seat to the DMK keeping in mind the interests and future of INDIA bloc. In lieu, we will ask the DMK for additional seats in 2026 Assembly election. He sounded confident that the DMK would secure a huge victory in the bypoll. There is good governance in Tamil Nadu for the last three and a half years. People have faith in Chief Minister MK Stalin due to the welfare works and transparency in governance. People will give a huge victory to the DMK in the by-election, he said. Talking about the Parandur airport project, which comes under Sriperumbudur in Kancheepuram district, he said, People in my constituency will be affected the most by the airport project. I stand with them and request the state government to create a conducive environment for the people of my constituency to live safely and without harm. We have no complaints about TVK chief Vijay meeting with Parandur people. It is the BJP government at the centre that chose Parandur for the project. He added, I also request the government to pay suitable compensation to the people who provide land for the airport and also to include them as shareholders. Later, Selvaperunthagai participated a protest held to condemn registering of case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Guwahati. Earlier, addressing media persons at the Coimbatore airport, he said there are no issues in ties between Congress and DMK.
Footpaths turn into parking lots at RS Puram in Coimbatore
COIMBATORE: Parking on footpath along DB Road and TV Samy Road in RS Puram has forced pedestrians to the road exposing them to danger. The lack of action by police against parking on pedestrian pathways along DB Road and TV Samy Road in RS Puram has sparked outrage among people as these roads are developed to be pedestrian-friendly under the Coimbatore Smart City Projects . The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) developed and widened the pedestrian pathways to ensure safe and uninterrupted walking experience. However, parking violations have defeated the purpose of the project. Sources in CCMC alleged that RS Puram police are yet to take action despite lodging complaints several times. R Madhumitha, a resident of RS Puram said, Some shop owners have taken over the pedestrian pathways and are using the space for vehicle parking and displaying boards. Apart from them, individuals visiting a temple on DB Road, park their vehicles on the pedestrian pathways. A few car owners stop abruptly on the road to offer prayers causing traffic congestion. The police are silent spectators to the violations. Social activists too expressed anguish over the lack of enforcement of traffic rules. These sidewalks were seen as a blessing when they were developed, but now they are cluttered with vehicles. Pedestrians, including senior citizens and children, are forced to walk on the busy roads, risking their lives. Police must crack down on illegal parking with immediate effect. Its disheartening to see infrastructure meant for public welfare being misused, said K Arun, member of an NGO. CCMC officials are equally upset and said they had urged RS Puram police several times to address the problem but to no avail. We have done our part in creating pedestrian-friendly pathways. Without enforcement, the effort goes in vain, a CCMC official told TNIE . When contacted, S Ashok Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) said he would instruct the RS Puram police to look into the matter and take necessary action. We have started imposing fines against those parking on the pedestrian pathways in RS Puram now. Also, we have issued a stern warning to the shopkeepers against misusing the pathways and hindering pedestrian movement, added Ashok Kumar.
Weaving units go in for rooftop solar panels in Coimbatore region
Organ donation awareness walkathon held in Coimbatore
Residents urge Coimbatore Corporation to expedite UGD works due to persistent road damage
Amber Connect to open $1.6 mn centre in Coimbatore; hire 1,000 staff in 2 years
Amber Connect, based in Jamaica, is set to open an innovation centre in Coimbatore, investing USD 1.6 million. The company plans to hire 1,000 employees over the next two years for varied roles. They aim to increase their market share in India by partnering with leading automotive OEMs and distributors. The facility will build vehicle telematics software for global export.
ZF Group to launch new unit in Coimbatore for construction equipment business
Details about the investments and expansion plans to be disclosed later
Spotter deer knocked down by vehicle on Coimbatore - Pollachi Road
Man injured in elephant attack near Coimbatore
AI job market grows; 14% increase in advertising and PR related job postings
As per the latest data from jobs and talent platform, foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME), Indias hiring landscape is set to make a strong start in 2025, reflecting optimism and growth across diverse industries. The foundit insights tracker (fit) reveals that India's hiring activity has surged by 12% over the past six months, with a 31% year-on-year (YoY) increase in recruitment in December. The growth is reflected across 22 of the 27 sectors monitored, with Consumer Electronics, Manufacturing, and Construction & Engineering leading the charge with 60%, 57% and 57% YoY respectively. The growth in hiring activity across sectors underscores the resilience, adaptability, and dynamism of Indias job market. said V Suresh , CEO of foundit. Whats particularly exciting is the explosive growth in AI at 42% in just two years, showcasing the transformation of an important skill set to a core driver of the economy. With a projected 14% further growth in AI hiring in 2025, we are witnessing a paradigm shift where AI is no longer a futuristic concept, but a fundamental element of India's present and future workforce. Sustained momentum and improving hiring sentiments In December 2024, job demand rose by 5% month-on-month (MoM), with the hiring index reaching 334a testament to growing business confidence and economic momentum. Over the last three months, an 8% increase in hiring activity highlighted sustained progress, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of Indian businesses in a dynamic market. This steady upward trend underscored the nations commitment to fostering sustainable, long-term employment opportunities through strategic initiatives. Healthcare and HR sectors drive job growth surge Medical roles experienced 44% annual growth, fuelled by telemedicine, diagnostics, and specialised nursing, with health tech roles like Healthcare Analyst also seeing a 12% increase. HR & Admin roles saw a 21% rise in the last three months, driven by the need for strategic workforce management and AI integration, as companies are increasingly focused on optimising employee productivity, streamlining operations, and leveraging data-driven insights to enhance decision-making processes. Tier-2 and tier-3 cities emerged as healthcare hiring hubs, accounting for 30% of new roles. The increasing demand for professionals skilled in biotechnology, medical coding, telemedicine platforms and AI-driven healthcare solutions underscores the industry's rapid transformation. Sector-specific hiring trends Sector Key Trends and Insights Telecommunication Strong revival with 25% growth in the last three months; momentum expected to continue into 2025. Demonstrated a growth of 38% YoY in recruitment activity BFSI 30% growth over the past six months, positioning it as a leading sector. Showcased a growth of 37% YoY in recruitment activity The sector witnessed 2% growth in AI related roles on an annual basis Travel and Tourism Experienced a 14% decline over the past six months. Advertising & Public Relations 14% increase in related job postings. 11% growth last month driven by demand for expertise in AI-driven campaigns, digital storytelling, audience analytics, and engagement optimisation Automation 10% growth last month, 11% over the last three months. Demand for Quality Engineers (23% growth), Automation Engineers (17% growth), and Robotics Specialists (14% growth) Demand-supply gap being addressed by upskilling 19% projected growth in 2025 AI/ML specialists and Data Analysts top job demand as key skills drive growth AI/ML specialists led job demand with a 21% increase, followed by Data Analysts at 14%. Digital Marketing Specialists and Software Developers saw growth at 12% and 10%, respectively. Product and Project Managers each rose by 5%. Key skills in demand include Data Analysis (18%), Digital Marketing (12%), Java (10%), and DevOps (5%). Entry to Mid-Senior roles in high demand Annual Hiring demand varies across experience levels, with entry-level roles (0-3 years) increasing by 18% and associate-level positions (4-6 years) up by 15%. Mid-senior roles (7-10 years) led with a 20% rise. Senior-level positions (11-15 years) grew by 5%, while executive roles (16+ years) declined by 6%. Coimbatore, Bengaluru, and Mumbai lead growth trends City Key Trends and Insights Coimbatore Led with 58% YoY growth Bengaluru Increased by 41% YoY Chennai Recorded 37% YoY growth Mumbai Saw 11% MoM demand, along with 23% YoY increase Delhi - NCR Achieved strong annual growth at 33% YoY Hyderabad Showed robust annual growth of 36% YoY Pune Registered growth of 35% YoY In December, annual hiring surged across all 13 monitored cities. Coimbatore led with a 58% year-on-year growth, while Bengaluru and Chennai followed with increases of 41% and 37%, respectively. Mumbai topped month-over-month demand with an 11% rise, along with a 23% YoY increase. Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad also showed strong annual growth at 33% and 36%, respectively, though their monthly gains were modest. Top AI hiring trends AI jobs in India increased by 42% over the past two years reaching 253,000 positions. Top skills include Python, AI/ML, Data Science, Deep Learning, SQL and Software Development. Additionally, expertise in specialised AI frameworks such as TensorFlow (15%) and PyTorch (16%) was highly sought after by employers. Skills % share in all jobs posted Python 53% AI/ML 32% SQL 21% Software Development 21% Data Science 18% PyTorch 16% Tensor Flow 15% Bengaluru, Pune, and Delhi/NCR led AI hiring by 26%, 17%, and 14% respectively. A further 14% growth in AI jobs is projected for 2025, driven by increasing AI adoption across BFSI, Healthcare, Retail, and Manufacturing. Location % share of AI jobs Bengaluru 26% Pune 17% Delhi/NCR 14% Mumbai 13% Hyderabad 10%
EPS rebuts minister, says debt burden and revenue deficit up under DMK government
CHENNAI/COIMBATORE: Joining issue with Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu over the fiscal position and debt burden of the state government, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday said the DMK which came to power with the promise of improving the fiscal management has failed in all economic indicators besides increasing the debt burden as well as revenue deficit. Referring to the statement of Thennarasu that he (Palaniswami) lacked proper understanding about fiscal management of the state, the AIADMK chief said when his party was in power, the DMK MLAs, who are now ministers, had said efficient fiscal management signifies containing the fiscal deficit while removing the revenue deficit totally besides controlling the extent of borrowing and spending the amount borrowed on capital expenditure. Palaniswami said since 2021, the DMK government has hiked the power tariff thrice. But despite this, the government is providing additional funds to the TNEB. This shows that the fiscal management of the TNEB has been destabilised, he said. But during the AIADMK regime, the debt burden stood within 25% of the state GDP but after the DMK government assumed office, this had gone beyond 26%, he said. During the AIADMK regime, despite the reduction in the central share due to finance commission recommendation and by bearing the debt of the TNEB, the revenue deficit was lesser till 2018-19 and it went up only to the loss of revenue due to Covid-19. In the next two financial years, the revenue deficit came down since the revenue receipts increased. This is a quite normal phenomenon. However, the revenue deficit increased during the past two years. The minister should have explained this, Palaniswami added. The AIADMK leader also said the total borrowings during the five years of the DMK government are likely to exceed Rs 5 lakh crore. This is higher than the total borrowings of the state government for the past 73 years after the Independence (till 2020-21). However, not even 50% of this has been spent on capital expenditure but a large portion of the borrowings has been spent on revenue expenditure. When we point out this, the minister says we dont have a proper understanding about the fiscal management, he added. Talking to reporters at Omalur in Salem on Tuesday, Palaniswami said Tasmac revenue under the DMK government has increased to Rs 69,588 crore against Rs 43,489 crore in the AIADMK rule. When asked whether there is a chance of an alliance with the BJP if the partys state unit president K Annamalai is changed, Palaniswami said, There is no need for this question as we have already come out of the alliance. It (BJP) is a national party. We do not have the authority to say whether they will replace him or not.
Jamaica-based Amber Connect to expand its presence in Coimbatore
The expansion will generate 400 additional employment opportunities in 2025. Amber Connect is also planning to hire more people so the talent count reaches 1,000 in two years
RPF cracks down on ticket touting in Coimbatore
Gold ornaments stolen from locked house in Coimbatore
Law and order police in Coimbatore directed to book traffic violation cases
Concerns raised over proposed development works in Coimbatores reserve forests for tourism
Development of IT space gathers momentum in Coimbatore
Wild elephants damage over 50 coconut saplings; feed on copra near Coimbatore
Gemini Circus begins in Coimbatore
Mexican wheel, guddi act and doublesari acrobatics are some of the jaw-dropping feats lined up at the ongoingGeminiCircus
Uninhabited house in Coimbatore collapses during strengthening process
Pritam Kotal set to make Chennaiyin FC debut
CHENNAI: Chennaiyin FC will face league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday for a high-stakes Indian Super League clash. The match will present the first opportunity for the Chennaiyin fans to see new signing Pritam Kotal in action after the defender joined from Kerala Blasters FC. Should he make an appearance, Kotal will face his former side Mohun Bagan and assistant coach Noel Wilson is hoping for a quick impact from the Indian defender. Most of this season we have not had a settled defence. We have been forced into changes due to injuries or suspensions. Owen (Coyle) knows better but Pritam (Kotal) coming in will help us better in defence. I am sure Pritam will make our defence stronger, said Noel Wilson on Monday. Anirudh shines All round display by P Anirudh (3/11, 44 n.o) propelled SBOA (Anna Nagar) to beat Ebenezer MHSS (Korattur) by nine wickets in the final of the CSK-Thiruvallur DCA U-15 inter-school cricket tournament. Brief scores: Final: Ebenezer MHSS (Korattur) 119 in 29.5 ovs (K Krish 34, P Anirudh 3/11) lost to SBOA (Anna Nagar) 120/1 in 26.2 ovs (P Anirudh 44 n.o). Sriram stars in Jayendra win Riding on A Srirams 58, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Vidyalaya, Kovai defeated Holy Saint, Bengaluru by two runs in a thrilling match of the Junior Super Kings inter-school T20 championship played at ICL grounds, Sankar Nagar, Tirunelveli. Brief scores: Shree Ram Vidya Mandir, Colvale, Goa 49/9 in 15 ovs (N Karthik Verma 4/ 8) lost to ACA School, Andhra 50 for no loss in 6.2 ovs; St Bedes, Chennai 193/6 in 15 ovs (Josh Shane Francis 66, M Saravana Sangeeth Rajan 3/ 29) bt Sri Jayendra SGJ, Tirunelveli 78/8 in 15 ovs (M Saravana Sangeeth Rajan 29); Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Vidyalaya, Kovai 111/6 in 15 ovs (A Sriram 58, Krushna V Rao 3/13) bt Holy Saint, Bengaluru 109/5 in15 ovs (K Vedaraj 35); MS Dhoni Global, Hosur 87/3 in 12 ovs (Lalit Arjun 41 n.o) lost to Nellai Nadar, Chennai 91/4 in 10.1 ovs. CFC & Norwich City FC inter-school championship Chennaiyin FC, partnering with Norwich City FC will organise the CFC-NCFC inter-school football championship to be held at MCC School (Chetpet) from Friday, Jan 24, 2025. About 64 teams will be competing in the Under-12 and Under-14 categories. The initiative is to promote football at the grassroots level in Tamil Nadu. The tournament provides the players a platform to showcase their skills to the club (CFC) academy scouts. With the additional support of the Reliance Foundation, the tournament is part of a wider partnership initiated in April 2024 between Chennaiyin FC and Norwich City FC, focused on talent cultivation, promoting a vibrant football culture in the area, and enhancing the grassroots development of the sport. In the future, we aim to expand this initiative beyond Chennai to other districts such as Coimbatore, Trichy, and Salem. Gradually we envision making this a Tamil Nadu-wide championship, uniting young footballers from across the state, said CFCs Head of Marketing, Neel Jayaram, on Monday.
Motorists flag lack of signs, reflectors before U-turn in Coimbatore
COIMBATORE: Motorists raised concerns over the lack of reflectors, signboards, and caution boards ahead of the U-turn on Mettupalayam Road at Thudiyalur junction as the structure is protruding on to the road. G Raghav, a resident of NGGO Colony, said, The concrete structures are not visible from far, especially at night because there are no reflectors and lights. There is high chance that people who are new to this place and tourists travelling towards Nilgiris might end up crashing against these structures. Officials must immediately install necessary safety measures. G Manuneethi, Divisional Engineer (DE) of the State Highways Department (Road Safety), told TNIE, A similar concern was raised over the U-turn structure built on the Trichy Road after which reflectors and warning signboards were installed immediately. The same should be done here as well. However, due to issues with the contractor, the work is not yet done. When inquired about it, a senior official from the State Highways Department told TNIE that these works are done by the civic body through sponsors and both the contractor as well as labourers have gone home for Pongal celebrations and have not returned yet. Once these workers get back, work to ensure safety will be carried out.
One for the road; surprise checks await TNSTC crew
COIMBATORE: Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), Coimbatore division has instructed branch managers of all depots to conduct frequent surprise breathalyzer tests on drivers and conductors to ensure that they are not working under the influence of alcohol. Checking inspectors will conduct the tests. Sources said the development comes after two incidents of drivers driving under the influence of alcohol were reported in Mettupalayam branch II and Erode branch I. He added that departmental action was initiated on the duo immediately. To prevent such incidents in the future, we will monitor crew regularly and stringent action will be taken against those found under the influence of alcohol, he said. P Mohanasundram, a driver said this will ensure the safety of passengers. He further opined that in the meantime, officers should avoid conducting breathalyzer tests in front of passengers as it could tarnish the employees dignity. When asked about it, a top TNSTC officer from Coimbatore told TNIE that the transport department has already provided the breathalyzers to SETC and six divisions of TNSTC. He further said We usually conduct the tests one in every two months. However, due to frequent complaints, we have increased the frequency of checks to once a week.
Coimbatores automotive firms view EV transition with trepidation, but see an opportunity as well
Micro businesses are unaware of being on the cusp of a paradigm shift, as they view internal combustion engines as a mainstay in the foreseeable future, while bigger firms are automating and bracing for change
Coimbatore corporation holds talks with cottage and tiny enterprises on trade license fee
Two houses encroaching on Sanganoor canal bund collapse in Coimbatore
Somayampalayam villagers oppose merger with Coimbatore corporation
Fire crews in Coimbatore district received over 7,000 calls in 2024
Coimbatore Corporation to conduct special camps to collect trading licence fee
Somayampalayam residents oppose proposed merger with Coimbatore Corporation
Private employment fair in Coimbatore on Jan. 24
Coimbatore Airport sets all-time high record of passenger movement
Bengaluru bypass, GST road, ECR grind to a halt as lakhs return to Chennai
CHENNAI: With lakhs of people returning to Chennai after celebrating Pongal holidays in native villages, massive vehicular congestion was witnessed for several hours on Sunday on the three major entry roads GST Road from Singaperumal Koil to Tambaram, Muthukadu-Thiruvanmiyur stretch of ECR, and Sriperumbudur-Maduravoyal section of Bengaluru Bypass. The traffic on Perungalathur Road overbridge also moved at a snails pace as a huge number of private vehicles began returning to the city on Sunday afternoon. Taking advantage of the heavy rush, private omnibuses on Saturday collected fares higher than the approved rates mentioned in the recently released fare list. Against the usual fare of Rs 1,400 to Rs 2,000 from cities such as Tiruchy, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Nagercoil to Chennai, the ticket fares stood at Rs 3,500 to Rs 5,000 for non-AC and AC-seater buses due to high demand, intensified by marriages scheduled on the first auspicious (muhurtham) day of Thai month. However, fares for Sunday increased only marginally. Commuters said that though platforms like RedBus displayed lower fares on their main page, prices surged by Rs 1,000 to 1,500 during the booking process, depending on seat selection. According to transport department officials, nearly 9 lakh commuters have returned to Chennai since Friday. Kilambakkam bus terminus handled about 1.5 lakh commuters daily over the past two days, with round-the-clock arrivals. However, the MTCs early-morning connecting bus services remain inadequate, forcing commuters to spend Rs 300 to Rs 600 on cabs to reach their destinations, particularly in Central and Northern Chennai areas. A senior official from SETC stated, The demand slightly went up in the eleventh hour as Saturday being a muhurtham day. Both TNSTC and SETC have deployed additional services wherever needed to accommodate the increased demand, the official added. A Anbalagan, president of the All-Omni Bus Owners Association, stated, All omnibuses have adhered to the approved fare list issued by the association. A few tourist buses seem to have overcharged commuters, and we have advised them to refrain from such practices. Meanwhile, to accommodate returning commuters, the Chennai division of Southern Railway announced special local train services between Kattankulathur and Tambaram on January 20. These trains aim to facilitate a seamless return journey for passengers arriving at Kilambakkam bus terminus on government and private buses. According to an official note, suburban special trains were operated from Kattangulathur to Tambaram between 4 am and 6.20 am. Similarly, special trains ran from Tambaram to Kattangulathur with stoppages at Potheri, Guduvancheri, Urapakkam, Vandalur, and Perungalathur stations in both directions.
Marappalam rail subway widening work to start soon
COIMBATORE: After a long delay, the district administration is all set to begin land acquisition to widen the Marappalam railway underpass located at Madukkarai on the Coimbatore-Palakkad main road at Madukkarai. The plan is to widen the underpass into a four-lane stretch to manage traffic in a better way on the interstate route. The Marappalam underpass, which was originally a wooden railway bridge, is located 2 kilometres from the Kochi-Salem National Highway. It is the only easy access point to the road connecting Kerala and Coimbatore and does not have toll plazas up to the border. The two-lane underpass was constructed by the British. Following renovation a few years ago, it was modified into a single-lane subway. As it can only accommodate one heavy vehicle alongside a bike, this creates a bottleneck, forcing other vehicles to wait in queues on both sides. Heeding to public demand, the Coimbatore district administration has initiated the widening work. Explaining the development, collector Kranthi Kumar Pati told TNIE that the Marappalam Road Under Bridge (RUB) is proposed to be dismantled and reconstructed as a four-lane carriageway with a railway box length of 82.70 metres and a width of 21.90m. The approved General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) with all necessary modifications was obtained from the Chief Bridge Engineer of Southern Railways in Chennai on December 31, 2024. Based on it diversion of traffic was requested from the Palakkad Railway Division on January 6, 2025. The Land Planning Schedule (LPS) for land acquisition is under preparation and it has to be sent to the government for approval the collector said. Meanwhile, local people have urged the district administration to renovate an abandoned underpass, which is located nearby. They suggest light vehicles be allowed through it. Narrow Marappalam underpass in TN chokes traffic
Wild elephant tries to sneak into house near Coimbatore for food, residents unhurt
Coimbatore man arrested with pieces of deer antler, suspected tiger claws
Residents urge Coimbatore Corporation to increase sterilisation of stray dogs
Hungry elephant breaks into Coimbatore home for rice, video viral
CCMC not to hand over city roads to TN highways department
COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) had handed over control and maintenance of several roads in the city to State Highways (SH) department many years ago. But, the latter failed to maintain them and has left roads dilapidated. Taking note, the CCMC has withdrawn its earlier proposal to hand over ten roads in the city to the SH department for maintenance. The CCMC has been maintaining a total of 3,236.96 km of roads in 100 wards of the citys five zones including 2,659.67 km of tar roads, 258.88 km of mud roads and 294.05 km of cement roads. Apart from this, major link roads connecting two national highways or state highways passing through the city are also controlled by SH Department. Some major link roads in the city, including KNG Pudur Road, Pankaja Mill Road, Nanjundapuram Road, Kurichi Pirivu-Podanur Road, Saradha Mill Road and others were handed over to the SH department, Coimbatore by the civic body for maintenance. The CCMC did this to reduce its fiscal burden in 2021-22. A few years ago, the CCMC had planned to hand over control of 13 roads extending to a length of 45.9 km in the city to the SH department for maintenance. However, the CCMC has now withdrawn the proposal as the SH department has failed to properly maintain roads already handed over to them in the past. The SH department has cited a lack of funds for their inability to do so. Sources with the SH department told TNIE that the department sends a list of roads that need to be revamped for every financial year to the state government for funds and approval. However, not all roads get approval and funds are only allotted to a few projects. As a result, SH officials are unable to carry out patchworks and other repairs, they added. Speaking to TNIE, CCMC Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran said, We had allotted an amount of Rs 120 crore to the SH department for road restoration works as the civic body had been carrying out pipeline works for water supply and UGD projects on roads. However, the SH department is yet to float tenders for road restoration works using this fund. The SH department should ideally restore damaged roads as soon as we finish our works, but this is not the case. We have consulted SH officials and conducted secretary-level talks to sort the issue. We have also spoke to the concerned minister on the matter. Considering the current situation, we have withdrawn our proposal to hand over maintenance of major link roads in the city to the SH department. We shall maintain those roads ourselves, he added. SH department Divisional Engineer (DE) Gnanamurthy told TNIE, We have received only around Rs 35 crore from CCMC for road restoration works on Kuniyamuthur road. As for road repairs, we cannot repeatedly fix damaged roads if the civic body keeps digging the road citing pipeline leaks as we get funds only once a year. We are restoring dilapidated roads regularly after CCMC completes its works.
Mudhalvar Marundhagam scheme: 27 pharmacies to be set up in Coimbatore district
Two drug peddlers held with 9kg ganja in Coimbatore
Coimbatore-based construction firm to compensate consumer for halting work
Teen arrested for murder bid in Coimbatore; police launch manhunt for six more
Building expo in Coimbatore from January 23 to 26
Coimbatore Corporation officials meet micro industry owners
Activists demand treated sewage discharge to protect Coimbatores lakes
Coimbatore Corporation introduces free skill development programme for civil engineering aspirants
Coimbatore residents slam CCMC over delayed garbage collection after Pongal holidays
COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) has been caught napping as a majority of sanitation workers are yet to report for work after the Pongal holidays. As a result, garbage collection and disposal work have been severely affected. With door-to-door garbage collection also affected, residents slammed the civic body for not making alternative arrangements during the holidays. The CCMC engages more than 3,000 sanitary workers in door-to-door collection in 100 wards of the city, but a majority of them did not report for work on Thursday after the festival holidays. Due to this, garbage has not been collected and waste has piled up on the roads in several localities, including Kavundampalayam, Vadavalli, Ramanathapuram and Kuniyamuthur. Many residents said the problem is a recurring issue during festival seasons. This happens every year. Its not just about the holidays; its the lack of preparedness by the CCMC, said K Ramesh, a resident of Kavundampalayam. We are paying taxes which includes dedicated charges for garbage collection and disposal services. But garbage collection is often neglected. Its unbearable to live near these garbage dumps. Sanitary workers havent shown up in our area for the past four days. Adding to the woes, the delayed resumption of waste collection services has disrupted the daily lives of traders and they have raised concerns. Customers avoid coming to our shops because of the stench. If this continues, it will hurt our livelihoods, lamented S Kavitha, a shop owner on Raja Street. Health experts have also warned about the potential outbreak of diseases due to the unhygienic conditions. As the garbage piles grow, residents hope for swift action from the civic body to restore cleanliness and prevent similar situation in future. When contacted, CCMC Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran said, I was told that a few sanitary workers hadnt returned to work after the festival which has affected the garbage collection work. Ive instructed them to report back to their duty immediately. They will all return tomorrow (Saturday) and the problems will be addressed in the next two days.
CHENNAI: Only one in four adult motorists riding two-wheelers in seven districts of Tamil Nadu, including Madurai and Tiruchy, wears a helmet, a study has found. Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, Tiruvarur and Tiruvannamalai are the other five districts where helmet compliance among adults is below 25%, according to the study conducted by Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group (CAG). The highest compliance of around 75% was observed in Coimbatore and Tirunelveli, while in Chennai and Salem, the compliance rate was above 50%. The highest rate of compliance among children was observed in Salem and Tirunelveli districts, the report said. According to the study, the overwhelming belief by the riders on their ability to avoid road accidents and the general perception that helmets were unnecessary for short trips are the major reasons for the non-use of helmets. Parents transporting children to schools displayed the lowest compliance, the report said. The CAG carried out the study at two traffic intersections each in 11 districts of Tamil Nadu in November 2024. In absolute numbers, 1,729 adults were observed in Chennai, of them, 1,023 were found wearing helmets. In Coimbatore, 2,565 of the 3,320 observed adults wore helmets. However, the numbers were drastically low in districts like Madurai where only 242 of 2,034 observed adults wore helmets. Besides Madurai, compliance was also lower in Kancheepuram and Tiruvannamalai districts. The low compliance among adults directly influences the low or nearly non-existent helmet use among children, the study said. The compliance among children was negligible in Tiruchy, Madurai, Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram districts. In Chennai, too, it is below 25%, said the report. Only 63% pillion riders follow regulations Contradicting the Greater Chennai Traffic Police reports of substantial helmet compliance rate among motorists, the study mentioned that only 63% of the people riding pillion adhere to the regulations. Though Chennai recorded 3,654 road accidents involving two-wheelers in 2024, the fatalities due to non-usage of helmets was only nine of the 504 deaths, said the report. The highest fatalities due to non-use of helmets was reported from Cuddalore (84), followed by Kancheepuram (31), Chengalpattu (15) and Coimbatore (15), it added. Enforcement of regulations, coupled with educational initiatives significantly enhances the effectiveness. Conducting joint campaigns was found to be eight times more effective than enforcement and 12 times more effective than education, CAG said. The report suggested that the state must ensure standard helmets are widely available and affordable, especially in rural and low-income areas. Likewise, standards must be developed for lightweight and climate-appropriate helmets that can address common complaints about discomfort, it added. Strategies to overcome resistance to helmet use in India include promoting helmet designs suitable for Indian weather conditions, the report added. Fact file TN witnessed a daily average of 50 fatalities due to road accidents. Two-wheelers accounted for 44.22% of all road accident fatalities. A total of 29.9% of such fatalities involved individuals not wearing helmets. Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Salem and Chennai districts have the highest helmet compliance levels among adults. Salem and Tirunelveli districts have the highest helmet compliance levels among children.
NHM revises incentive for specialists
COIMBATORE: After a gap of four years, the National Health Mission (NHM) - Tamil Nadu has revised the incentives for engaging government and private specialists, including obstetricians, anaesthetists, and paediatricians, to provide Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) at secondary and tertiary care hospitals. The NHM funds government hospitals under various schemes, and expenses for hiring doctors are sanctioned to hospitals periodically. Officials said the revision is intended to address the shortage of specialists at CEmONC centres. These centres were established to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates. They provide round-the-clock emergency care for pregnant women and newborns, primarily in taluk-level government hospitals. However, rising vacancies of specialists have impacted treatment. An expert committee from NHM-TN convened a meeting on 19 December to revise hiring fees for specialists. The new charges have been communicated to all districts, said sources. Officials said the incentive for government specialists working in the plains is Rs 1,500 per case, including Rs 500 for mobility support. This applies to Lower Segment Caesarean Sections (LSCS) and obstetric emergencies. For services at night, an additional Rs 500 towards mobility support will be provided. Similarly, Rs 2,000, including Rs 1,000 for mobility, will be paid to medical officers trained in Emergency Obstetric Care Services (EmOC) and Life Saving Anaesthesia Skills (LSAS). For private specialists, those hired in hilly and special regions like Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, Nilgiris, and Kodaikanal will be eligible for Rs 4,500 per case, including Rs 1,000 for mobility. In obstetric emergencies, the incentive will be Rs 3,000 per case. In the plains, the fixed payment for private specialists is Rs 3,000 per case, with Rs 1,500 for obstetric emergencies. If services are required during the night, an additional payment of Rs 1,000 will be provided. There are also plans to hire specialists for CEmONC centres on a contract with a salary of Rs 70,000. Previously, the incentive was Rs 2,000 with Rs 500 for transport. However, the practice of payment was not in place in many places. Doctors were hesitant as the incentive was low compared to private hospitals. Now, the revised charges encourage private doctors to help at government hospitals. However, it is still not much, said a senior obstetrician and gynaecologist from Coimbatore.
Girl sexually assaulted, cops arrest stepdad
COIMBATORE: A 33-year-old man was arrested near Sirumugai for allegedly sexually assaulting his 11-year-old stepdaughter who has mental health issues. The victim, a Class 7 student, and her mother lived alone after separating from her father 10 years ago. Her mother then married the accused, a construction worker. Two months ago, the accused got drunk and sexually assaulted the girl. The girl revealed her ordeal to a neighbour who alerted Childline. They counselled the victim and recorded her statement. The suspect was booked under the Pocso Act and BNS, arrested and remanded the accused in prison. The victim was admitted to hospital for a examination.
Man dies after attempted suicide under moving bus in Coimbatore
Septuagenarian in Coimbatore loses Rs10 lakh to cyber fraudsters
Cybercrime expert dupes female lecturer of 12lakh in Coimbatore, held
Man held for raping 12-yr-old stepdaughter in Coimbatore
Camera traps to shed light on tiger population in Coimbatore Forest Division
Indian rock python rescued from farm near Coimbatore
Watch: How are Coimbatores automotive firms gearing up for EV transition?
Coimbatore is one among the leading supply chain clusters in the country for the auto sector
Hot air balloon from Pollachi flies off course, lands 35 km away in Palakkad
COIMBATORE: A hot air balloon that took off with four persons, including two pilots, on the last day of the 10th edition of the hot air balloon festival at Aachinpattti in Pollachi on Thursday around 7.30 am deviated from its course and landed on a paddy field in Pattanchery in Palakkad district of Kerala, 35 km off the take-off point. A similar incident happened on Tuesday, where a hot air balloon with six persons on board -- a couple, their two children, and two pilots -- landed in Kannimari Mulltanthattu in Kerala, instead of the marked landing spot five kilometres from the venue. The organisers of the event declined to comment. Speaking to TNIE, Collector Kranthi Kumar Pati said, Travelling onboard the balloon is not open for the general public; sponsors who are aware of the risk are taking part. The organisers say the travel is dependent on wind velocity. However, an explanation will be sought from them. A fire and rescue services official in Pollachi acknowledged that the incident would have become a severe and complicated one if the balloon had gotten stuck on a high-voltage power line. Local fire safety personnel were not consulted prior to the event. The organisers said they had obtained necessary permits from the head of the department, said the official. Tamil Nadu Tourism Department, along with a private firm, organised the festival, which featured 10 hot air balloons from the USA, Thailand, UK, Austria, France, Brazil, Vietnam, and Belgium.
Kanuvai canal turns into dump site, locals demand rejuvenation of lake
COIMBATORE: Panneermadai panchayat residents and conservationists involved in the rejuvenation of Chinnavedampatti Lake have alleged that the local body is dumping waste in a canal at Kanuvai which supplies water to the lake. The mouth of the canal at Kanuvai has over 30 tonnes of waste dumped here without segregation. Water flowing from Kanuvai check dam in Thadagam valley feeds into both Chinnavedampatti Lake and Sanganur stream. However, the Kanuvai canal is allegedly being used to dump waste by Panneermadai village panchayat. A significant amount of garbage collected in the panchayat is dumped into the stream daily. Garbage mounds, rising several metres have formed, in a 1 km-radius. Unless dumping is prevented and the accumulated garbage is removed, the water source will remain unclean, said A Gowtham, an IT employee. Panneermadai, which means stagnation of rosewater, was attributed to the purity of the water here. S Sivaraja, coordinator of Chinnavedampatti Lake Restoration Association and a member of Kaushika Neer Karangal, who has been working on rejuvenating the Kanuvai check dam said that source segregation of waste is essential to protect the waterbody. For long, there has been no solid waste management in Panneermadai panchayat and they have been dumping waste into the canal. We continue to stress that source segregation is the only solution, as the current practice severely pollutes water flow. The local body argues that there is no alternate location for waste disposal. Therefore, we are developing a solution where we gather the scattered garbage and transfer it to a safer site, after segregation, he added. Sivaraja also mentioned that installing a fence around Kanuvai check dam area spread around 14 km, is crucial to protect it. However, due to limited sanitation workers and alternative dump sites, the panchayat asserted that they are compelled to use the waterbody as the primary dump site. About 20,000 people live in 15 wards of the panchayat. A minimum of five sanitation workers are needed per ward, but there are only 27 workers in total. Due to rising water pollution, we are in search of an alternative site for waste disposal. We have identified a two-acre location in Thippanur and are awaiting permission from the district administration, said Sathishkumar, the panchayat secretary. Similarly, residents have also reported that the neighbouring Kurudampalayam village panchayat has set up another dump site in a residential area between Panneermadai and Thoppampatti. They are urging the district administration to regulate waste management to prevent landfills. Ramamoorthi, the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Periyanaickenpalayam said both village panchayats manage around 8 tonnes of waste daily, collected from over 120 locations. He also noted that failure of solid waste management is a major reason to propose these village panchayats to be merged with Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation. In response, Sivaraja highlighted that some local bodies like Kaniyur and Kittampalayam effectively manage waste through proper mechanisms.
Encroachments stall revamping of Sanganoor Canal in Coimbatore
Farmer trampled to death by lone tusker in Coimbatore
From Dosas To Desserts: 11 Food Stops In Coimbatore
Whether you're craving a comforting dosa, a spicy biryani, or something sweet to finish your meal, Coimbatore's culinary hotspots have got you covered!
Bullet turns meek, warms up to mahouts, may be free soon
COIMBATORE: The wild elephant Cherambadi Tusker (CT16), which was captured at Ayyankolly in the Pandalur forest range at Gudalur forest division and relocated to Varagaliyar in the Uanthy forest range, has turned less aggressive after completing two weeks in the krall (a wooden enclosure), said forest department officials. The jumbo, nicknamed Bullet by the locals in Cherambadi and Pandalur, used to cause damage to human habitations, and raid crops in these areas. It was recently tranquilised and relocated over 200 kilometres from Cherambadi to Varagaliyara tribal settlementas per locals demand. The officials are planning to release it inside the reserve forest soon. They added that it has begun warming up to the mahouts who feed it fodder from the forest. According to sources, during the initial two days, the tusker was tired as it was tranquilised. But soon enough, it perked up and consumed food and water round the clock and slept well for several hours. However, officials added that they still treat it as a wild elephant. The kumki elephants stationed near the krall to subdue CT16 were withdrawn after a few days, officials further said. Before the animal was captured, it used to consume rice and raid crops like banana and coconut plantations near Cherambadi and Pandalur. Hence, one of our aims was to accustom the tusker to the fodder available in the forest. Subsequently, its food habits have changed completely as observed during its soft release in the last fifteen days. We will decide when to release him to the forest based on a recommendation from the veterinarians who will check his health. As per the chief wildlife warden, the animal is still in soft release and healthy, the official said.
12 Best Places To Eat In Coimbatore That Will Make Your Taste Buds Sing
Whether you're craving a comforting dosa, a spicy biryani, or something sweet to finish your meal, Coimbatore's culinary hotspots have got you covered!
Two held for hacking woman to death in Coimbatore
Police now patrol areas where crimes occur frequently round the clock in Coimbatore
Prayers, outings mark Pongal celebrations in Coimbatore
Coimbatore Corporation to issue zone-wise tenders for streetlight maintenance
The estimated annual cost for maintaining the streetlights is 7.23 crores
Police order 27 history-sheeters to stay away from Coimbatore city for six months
We have sought 1,500 crore for the project. The State is currently focusing on road development projects, and given the large amount requested, the sanctioning process will take time, says Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran
Asian Waterbird Census begins in Coimbatore
The census also aims to assess the long-term impact of wetland rejuvenation efforts under the Smart Cities initiative
Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival: A Whimsical Journey in Pollachi Nears Its Finale
POLLACHI - TAMIL NADU : Picture a sky painted with the soft colors of dawn, adorned with giant, playful balloons that sway gently in the morning breeze. This is the Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival (TNIBF) an enchanting annual event that turns Pollachi in Coimbatore District into a magical hotspot for hot air balloon enthusiasts. The five-day extravaganza, running from January 12 to January 16, 2024, wraps up Thursday, leaving behind a trail of awe-inspiring memories. Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival is a mesmerizing blend of color, creativity, and wonder. For its 10th edition, TNIBF welcomed over 20 dazzling hot air balloons from countries like the United Kingdom, France, Austria, Brazil, Belgium, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Adding to the charm were unique balloon shapes, including a baby monster, Hugo the Cheetah, Wes the Wolf, and Eli the Elephant. A Sky Full of Marvels The festival is not just about the balloons play, though these majestic giants undoubtedly steal the show. Imagine soaring teddy bears, elegant elephants, and playful monkeys gliding gracefully across a brilliant blue sky. Crafted from vibrant nylon and flown by skilled pilots from around the globe, these whimsical creations captivate audiences and bring the Pollachi skies to life. Beyond the balloons, TNIBF offers something for everyone. Live music performances fill the air with energy, while food stalls serve a variety of local and international delicacies. Kids and families can enjoy interactive mini balloon models shaped like hearts, tigers, and bears, providing a fun way to learn about the science behind hot air balloons. From carnival rides to face painting and even a chance to explore the interior of a real hot air balloon, every corner of the festival buzzes with excitement. A Festival of Passion and Dedication The magic of TNIBF lies in the months of preparation that go into making it a reality. Organizers work tirelessly to secure balloons, invite skilled pilots, and ensure safety for everyone involved. The festival is a labor of love, with every detail reflecting the passion and dedication of the team behind it. Relax in Style at Ibex River Resort For those seeking a peaceful retreat amid the festivities, the Ibex River Resort in Pollachi offers the perfect escape. Nestled in lush greenery, this serene haven provides the ideal spot to relax while staying close to the action. Book your stay to experience the vibrant spirit of the Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival in comfort and luxury.
In Pictures: Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival 2025
A photo gallery on the tenth edition of Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival at Pollachi in Coimbatore district
TN: Helmetless head constable slaps man crossing road using phone
A head constable attached to Kavundampalayam police station in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, slapped a passerby while the latter was crossing a road in the city area. A video of the incident was caught on CCTV. The incident reportedly took place on Nallampalayam Sanganoor road where the passerby, Mohanraj of Chinnavedampatti, a private employee, was Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Gang tries to throw beef at BJP office in Coimbatore, held
COIMBATORE: Four days after a BJP functionary Subramaniam was booked for threatening a couple who were running an eatery from a pushcart against selling beef at Udayampalayam near Saravanampatti, five cadres of Aadhi Tamilar Party have been arrested for trying to throw beef into the BJPs district head office during a protest on Monday. Condemning the functionarys action, cadres of Aadhi Tamilar Party led by district president Vincent, holding flags and shouting slogans gathered in front of the BJPs office on VKK Menon Road. Suddenly, they started throwing beef parcel into the office and raised slogans such as cow meat is our right and Arrest Subramanian. The parcel broke and beef pieces fell on the road near the BJPs office. Police tried to stop them but the protesters resisted. Later, police arrested five people, including Vincent and took them to Kattur police station. A case has been registered against all of them.
Give humic acid instead of compost manure: Farmers appeal to government
COIMBATORE: Farmers have urged the Union government to provide humic acid as an alternative to compost manure for agricultural purposes as there is a shortage and unavailability of compost manure when they need it. K Balakrishnan, farmers wing secretary of Athikadavu - Kausika Development Committee, said, Due to urbanisation and lack of manpower, animal husbandry has decreased. Due to this, the availability of composted manure has become very rare. Hence farmers have been using chemical fertilizers and due to this, microorganisms in the soil are coming down. As a result, no matter how much chemical fertilizers are used, the expected yield is not obtained. Instead, the soil becomes barren. He added, Soil fertility is improved only by the number of microorganisms in the soil. These microbes require a lot of carbon for their activity or food and this carbon is available only through composted manure. Hence, adding humic acid can sustain some carbon to the soil when composted manures are not available. Humic acid is available in the market in several grades at various prices. Due to this farmers are not able to ensure their quality and they hesitate to use them. To overcome this, as humic acid is found in excess in the Neyveli coal mine in Tamil Nadu, it should be distributed to farmers at low cost and quality through central government agencies like Neyveli Lignite Coal Company or the state governments agricultural department. This will increase the yield for farmers and the chemical fertilizers subsidy cost for the central government will also come down, he further said.
Constructed two years ago, Pullukadu modern fish market inaugurated at last
COIMBATORE: A modern fish market constructed two years ago on Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) land at Pullukadu in Ukkadam was inaugurated on Monday by Electricity Minister V Senthil Balaji. The Coimbatore District Retail Fish Traders Association built the market on one-acre CCMC land two years ago. Around 51 members of the association shelled out money from their pockets and built 72 shops. As platform traders demanded the civic body and the association to allocate space for them, a dedicated space for them with 25 stalls was built and allocated for them in the market. Over two years passed since the markets construction was completed, the facility was not inaugurated due to various issues. While the land was owned by CCMC, and the shops were built by the traders, the latter refused to pay rent for shops and requested the civic body to lease the land to them. As leasing out the governments land required a lot of process, a special GO, the inauguration got delayed. Also, a majority of the traders had pending dues of over Rs 4.5 crore including rent & taxes to the CCMC which further delayed the opening. Meanwhile, over 200 sanitary workers families have been waiting for permanent homes to be constructed on the old fish markets land. In view of this, the CCMC after receiving a portion of the pending dues from the traders, gave the nod to the traders to open the facility after the state government released the special GO with a list of rules & regulations for the new market. Minister Senthil Balaji along with Coimbatore MP Ganapathy P Rajkumar, Coimbatore District Collector Kranthi Kumar Pati, CCMC Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran, Mayor K Ranganayaki, Deputy Mayor R Vetriselvan, councilors, and other officials inaugurated the new fish market. Speaking at the event, Balaji assured the traders to fulfill their request of installing paver blocks, and streetlights and build compound walls to create a dedicated parking facility for the market through the CCMC.
Decorative items for bulls record brisk sales in Tamil Nadu
DHARMAPURI: Ahead of maattu pongal when jallikattu and eruthuattam are organised, there is a demand for colourful mookanankiyuru (leash/tether) and other items that are used to decorate cattle, especially bulls that participate in the events. Mattu pongal is celebrated on the second day of Tamil month Thai to thank and honour the contribution of bulls in agriculture. On this day, farmers clean their cattle, paint their horns in attractive colour and deck them up before releasing them in events like Jallikattu, Eruthattam. To make the animals stand out in a crowd, farmers buy colourful ropes and decorate them with ankle collars, straps adorned with bells. As a result, makers of the traditional ropes in Dharmapuri are reporting brisk sales. Speaking to TNIE, S Manigandan from Semmandukuppam said, With the advent of nylon rope in the market, the demand for traditional coir/cotton rope has reduced. The once thriving cottage industry is now on the wane and it will be only a matter of time before it ceases to exist. The bright side is during Pongal farmers adorn their bulls with new ropes and this season offers us a boost in demand. During events like Jallikattu or Eruthattam, farmers would like to showcase their bulls. This will give us some profit. Otherwise the business is dull. Another rope maker from Semmandukuppam, S Kalaiselvi said, For two generations we have been involved in the trade. We sell to traders and have also set up shops in Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore and Bengaluru. We sell them for Rs 5 to Rs 500 depending on the variety. Our primary customers are traders who sell in weekly markets across the district. Our primary materials for making ropes are jute, coir, and. The rope makers have requested the state government to provide financial assistance and to promote traditional ropes and improve marketing avenues. When TNIE spoke to officials in the revenue department they said, For assistance rope makers can approach the administration and depending upon their need, assistance will be provided. So far we have not received such a request.
Traditional artforms get a rebirth as Chennai Sangamam kicks off
CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday inaugurated the annual Chennai Sangamam - Namma Ooru Thiruvizha in Chennai. The festival will go on in 18 locations in Chennai till January 17. As many as 1,300 artistes from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Goa, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra will be performing in the events. After January 17, the festival will be held in Madurai, Tiruchy, Salem, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, Kancheepuram, Vellore and Coimbatore. The festival is aimed at rehabilitating the folk artistes. In all, more than 50 folkart forms - including Naiyaandi Melam, Karakattam, Kavadiyaattam, Thevarattam, Silambattam, Villupattu, Mallar Kambam, Kaniyan Koothu, Paavaikoothu, etc - will be performed by the artistes. Along with the festival, food festivals will also be organised. Also, handicraft items produced by the Poompuhar are available for sale. After inaugurating the festival, Stalin witnessed cultural events performed for more than one hour. At the event, musician-activist TM Krishna rendered a song on Periyar EV Ramasamy, comparing him to Rabindranath Tagore. A lungi-clad Krishna, wearing a black shirt, said, You (the audience) should identify who Im singing about. The gathering got it right in the first try.
Ensure road safety, devotees walking to Palani urge police
TIRUPPUR: Devotees undertaking padayatra to the Dhandayuthapaniswamy temple in Palani for Thaipoosam festival have appealed to police to ensure safety on the highways en route. Hundreds of people from Tiruppur, Nilgiris and Erode districts have already started on a padayatra along the state and national highways to reach the temple. RKKM Sabapathy, President of Vijayapuram Vattam Kavadi Kuzhu in Tiruppur, said, Our group undertakes padayatra every year to Palani. This year will be our 97th Padayatra. Usually, there will be around 400 people in our group. I have been the president of this group for the past 48 years. Last year, some devotees were injured in a road accident. Devotees mostly travel along state and national highways. They continue to walk at night and in the early hours of the morning. In the current traffic scenario, devotees are likely to be victims of accidents, he added. Further, he said, This years padayatra season began at the end of December. Currently, in our region, a large number of devotees from the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode and Tiruppur districts are undertaking a padayatra towards Palani. This will gradually increase. Thaipusam festival falls on February 11. Only after that will the number of devotees reduce. It will start for Panguni Uthiram again. Police department should ensure that devotees do not get caught in road accidents. They should conduct regular patrols and raise awareness about the walkers among motorists. Reflective stickers should be provided to devotees, he added. G Logesh, a devotee from Gandhipuram padayatra group of Avinashi, said, Temporary accommodation should also be provided for devotees going on padayatra. Yadav Girish, Superintendent of Police, Tiruppur district, said, We are providing reflective stickers to devotees. Appropriate steps will be taken after consultation with the respective DSPs regarding precautionary measures.
Crowds throng shopping hubs in Coimbatore city ahead of Pongal
Coimbatore cop faces flak for slapping youth who crossed road carelessly
ATK members try to throw beef at BJP office in Coimbatore, detained
Police detain 5 members of fringe outfit who tried to hurl beef at BJP office in Coimbatore
They were protesting against a local BJP functionary who recently warned a couple not to sell beef dishes in the city
