Madurai to get Tamil Nadu’s first Tokyo model health walk track

MADURAI: Tamil Nadu health minister Ma Subramanian and Madurai Corporation officials on Friday checked the possibility of establishing a health walk track in an eight-kilometre stretch between the Race Course Road to Athikulam Junction.
After an official visit to Japan and taking inspiration from the 'health walk' in Tokyo, the health minister had earlier announced that steps would be taken to establish health tracks in all 38 districts of the state.
On Friday, addressing reporters after an eight-km walk with officials, the minister said that Madurai would be the first district in the state to get such a track.
"There is an increase in young people getting affected by cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This health walk track will help people lead a healthy lifestyle," said the minister.
When asked about the logic behind the eight-km track, the minister said according to WHO studies, a person has to walk 10,000 steps per day -- which comes to an average of eight km -- for a healthy living.
“We chose the stretch between the Race Course Road and Athikulam junction because many important landmarks of the city come in this stretch which include the Tamil Sangam building, Eco Park and many famous eateries of Madurai,” the minister said.
Trees will be planted on both sides of the track. Signboards with awareness information about walking and health will be installed in every one kilometre. There will seating arrangements for walkers to take rest.
"Health officials will conduct a walkathon every first Sunday of the month to popularise the track," said the minister.