Madurai :
A three-dimensional model of the Vaigai river , measuring 100m is being readied capturing the river from its origin to confluence. Once the model is ready, one need not travel the entire length of the river that originates from Periyar lake and travels through numerous villages in five districts in the state and empties into the Palk Strait in Ramanathapuram, to witness its beauty.
The 3D model is to be constructed as a part of ‘Maamadurai Potruvom’, a three-day festival planned from February 8 to 10, to celebrate the rich heritage and tradition of the temple city. Celebrating the contribution of Vaigai is one of the three key aspects of the festival.
The model of the river would be constructed similar to the models of jallikattu, elephants and west gate of the Madurai fort that are being unveiled in the city. Talking about the preparation for the construction, S Chandran, associate professor, civil engineering department of Thiagarajar College of Engineering (TCE), who is one of the experts roped in for the project, said the model would be built with inputs from architectural experts.
“The place for the construction has been identified at Albert Victor Bridge near Goripalayam. Work will commence from Saturday. We hope that the construction would be completed in a week’s time. At present, cleaning of the place is being carried out,” he said.
Besides Chandran, G Balaji, head, department of architecture, TCE and C P Mohan Kumar, assistant engineer, public works department are also part of the team. “More experts and students of architecture from TCE would be roped in for the construction,” said a district administration official.
“In addition to the 3D model of the river covering the entire 298-km in 100m, rare photographs of the river would be on display for the public. Digital banners consisting information about the river and messages to preserve it would also be displayed,” the official said.
It is also planned to allow the students from government and government-aided schools to visit the model on the first day of the three-day programme. While the second day would be allotted to students from other private schools, it would be open for the public on the third day. If the situation demands, it would be kept open for three more days for the public, he added.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Madurai / by V. Devanathan, TNN / January 25th, 2013