The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Huge crowds throng Vandalur Zoo, Kovalam beach

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 18, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Huge crowds throng Vandalur Zoo, Kovalam beach

K. Manikandan

TAMBARAM: Thousands of people thronged beaches, amusement parks, boat houses and public places in Kancheepuram district on Wednesday on the occasion of `Kaanum Pongal,' a day also marked by traffic snarls.

More than 50,000 people visited the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur. Though elaborate arrangements were made, the crowd was simply too large for officials and volunteers to control.

Many youth gatecrashed into the Zoo premises, though over a dozen counters were open. People managed to get in plastic covers despite the volunteers screening visitors' baggage.

Muttukadu was another popular destination, with people waiting for a long time for a boat ride. Last year, about 5,000 people visited the boathouses on this day.

This year, the number was expected to cross 10,000, officials said. Fifty-two boats were operated this year and visitors clearly preferred the motor boats, officials said, adding that sufficient number of rowers and row boats remained idle.

Carnival at Kovalam

It was a carnival of sorts at Kovalam beach off East Coast Road. Giant wheel and other games for children were installed. Visitors said the beach here was much neater and less congested compared to those in the city and the nearby Mamallapuram.

However, the approach road to the beach was clogged with vehicles.

Motorists complained that the Kovalam panchayat authorities charged Rs.10 for every vehicle entering their locality.

Apart from Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts, people belonging to Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Cuddlore and Villupuram districts visited places of public congregation.

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