Tamil Nadu - Udhagamandalam   

Adam Memorial Fountain, a misused spot

Photo: D. Radhakrishnan

Fountain missing: Hoardings prevent visitors from getting a good view of the Adam Memorial Fountain in Udhgamandalam. —

Udhagamandalam: With just a few weeks left for the curtain to go up for the 2009 tourist season and the general elections scheduled to be conducted during the ensuing summer a hope shared by many here was that the district and civic administrations would join hands to prevent defacing of public properties and misuse of tourist attractions such as the Adam Memorial Fountain at Charing Cross on the threshold of the vacation destination.

Pointing out that the fountain which was steeped in history was a fine specimen of 19th century fountains, concerned residents, including some in the hospitality and travel trades told The Hindu here on Thursday that over the years it had become an extremely popular photo shooting spot among the tourists, including foreigners.

Regrettably it had also become one of the most misused spots. With huge hoardings being put up along the railings of the fountain by one party or the other almost throughout the year tourists found it difficult to get a good view of the fountain. The display of flags all round the fountain made matters worse.

They recalled that about a year ago representatives of various parties had reportedly given an assurance that the fountain would not be misused.

The issue relating to the misuse and defacing of the fountain had also been taken up by members at a meeting of the Udhagamandalam Municipal Council. Despite assurances its beauty was neither being preserved nor exposed to the tourists.

Pointing out that about nine years ago steps had been taken to prevent misuse of public properties including walls, buildings and rivetments, they said that it had a salutary effect with all the political parties including the ruling party extending their cooperation to the authorities.

Consequently, the appearance of the town had registered a marginal improvement.

Meanwhile, persons owing allegiance to various political parties said that hoardings were being put up along the fountain because it was the most eye catching spot in the town.

However, the people feel that tourist attractions should not be obscured.

They contend that tourists from the cities visit hill stations to enjoy their beauty. They should not be forced to bump into hoardings featuring photographs of scores of local leaders at street corners.

Often the hoardings connected with public meetings put up by political parties were not removed even several days after the meetings were over.

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Adam Memorial Fountain, a misused spot

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