NEW DELHI: AIADMK on Monday urged the Centre to include the holy town of Srirangam in Tamil Nadu in the National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana.
Raising the issue in Rajya Sabha, AIADMK leader Dr V Maitreyan said that the holy town of Srirangam was an island located in between the Cauvery and Kollidam rivers in Tiruchy district of Tamil Nadu.
Pointing out that Sri Ranganathaswamy temple, one of the most important Vaishnavite shrines in the country and is soulfully called “Boologa Vaikuntham, that is earthly heaven, was located in Srirangam,
Maitreyan said “the holy town has a hoary past steeped in rich tradition and distinctive culture that made this temple town glorious since ancient times. Every day devotees and tourists throng this town from all parts of India and also from abroad to see the revered temple that stands majestically amidst a sprawling land of 156 acres.”
The AIADMK leader said that the economy of Srirangam has begun thriving based on tourism as a result of various socio-economic packages and infrastructure developments provided by the Tamil Nadu government.
“In view of these unique characteristics, Srirangam deserves all attention from the Central government for conservation and revitalisation of the rich heritage. Funds provided by the Centre will rapidly enhance the quality of life besides from improving the physical, social and economic structures. Bolstering the heritage status of Srirangam will go a long way in preserving the hubs of tradition and culture across the country,” the AIADMK leader added.
Maintaining that his party leader J Jayalalithaa had already demanded the inclusion of the holy town of Srirangam in the National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana, Dr V Maitreyan Maitreyan requested the government at the Centre to include Srirangam in the Yojana on priority.