It is common for residents to saunter into Tamukkam Ground on a weekend evening wondering which stall they will walk into as they visit the city’s largest open entertainment spot. Tamukkam Ground has a major role to play in generating finances for Madurai Corporation as well as providing an arena for showcasing art and culture. It is also a favourite venue for fairs and expos. But lack of facilities and maintenance of infrastructure at the spot could deter its value, it is feared.
A write up on the wall of Gandhi Museum says that the word ‘Tamukkam’is derives from ‘Tamugamu,’ which, in Telugu, means pavilion. What was ‘Tamugamu’ later became ‘Tamukkam’ in Tamil. The large crowds, which used to throng the ground in the past, were privy to gladiatorial exhibitions such as elephant fights. Sporting activities and display of martial arts were conducted here. The structure, spreading across an area of 50000 square feet, was built in 1670 A.D. by Rani Mangammal.
Over the years, the ground has been used for public meetings, political rallies and exhibitions. The most notable gathering in the recent past was the protest for ‘jallikattu.’ Despite its unique and opulent history, Tamukkam now lacks basic infrastructure.
One can see large piles of uncleared food and construction waste dumped at the ground after the completion of an event.
The venue, which is maintained by Madurai Corporation, does not have an effective solid waste management plan. The toilets wear a worn down look, making them unusable. The facade too remains dusty, burying details of its rich history in its walls. S. Rethinavelu, senior president, Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce, says that Tamukkam is the only exhibition ground in the heart of the city but it lacks a proper air-conditioned hall, a requisite in today’s day and age.
K. P. Murugan, president, Madurai District Tiny and Small Scale Industries Association, says that apart from the exorbitant rent for the ground for a day (₹1 lakh), exhibitors are forced to pay additional money for setting up basic infrastructure, including fans and stalls.
“If the entire area is declared as a trade centre, it will invite businesspersons from different parts of the country to display their wares here. With state-of-the-art architecture, the space can be utilised effectively,” he says.
Mr. Rethinavelu also says that if the process of renting the space goes digital, it will provide more transparency. “The Corporation takes a long time to approve requests for renting the ground and one is not sure till a few days before the exhibition. This makes it difficult for us to print pamphlets, invitations and invite exhibitors. If the procedure goes online, it will make it easy for us to block dates. The Chamber is ready to take part in a joint venture with the Corporation to set up a trade and convention centre,” he says.
Officials from the Engineering section in charge of maintenance claim that a truck visits the ground daily to clear the garbage, though there are no permanent dustbins. A senior engineer adds that there is talk of developing and revamping the space. “I am sure the issue will be taken up soon.”