Madurai's Historic Street Signs Face Neglect and Vandalism
Madurai, a city steeped in history dating back to the Sangam era, boasts street names that echo its glorious past. However, the boards displaying these names present a stark contrast today, marred by neglect, vandalism, and outdated information. While residents take pride in the historical significance of their streets, the poor condition of these signboards creates confusion for those trying to navigate the urban landscape.
Residents Adapt with Landmark-Based Directions
In areas like Anna Nagar, damaged street name boards have remained unrepaired for extended periods, forcing locals to abandon traditional navigation methods. B Velakanni, a resident of Anna Nagar, explains, "We have stopped using street names, and instead say landmarks when giving directions." He notes that many areas completely lack signboards, exacerbating the problem. Similarly, in KK Nagar, street names are often damaged or obscured by posters that appear overnight to avoid fines, only to be replaced shortly after removal.
Inaccurate Records and Missing Signage
Activist and advocate R Manibharathi highlights a critical issue: public records show 8,098 streets in Madurai, a significant increase from the 3,806 determined streets before ward delimitation in 2022. Many of these newly added streets lack proper signage, while others have not been updated with correct ward and zone numbers. Kumar, an auto driver in Goripalayam, voices the frustration: "We have no accurate way of knowing which ward is which, because we do not know which name board to trust."
Challenges for Non-GPS Users
The situation is particularly difficult for people without access to GPS technology, as many smaller streets remain unmarked. Manibharathi cites the example of Nagupillai Thoppu, behind St Mary's Church, where only the main road is properly labeled, leaving individuals to guess which street to turn into. This lack of clear signage hampers mobility and accessibility across the city.
Heritage Streets Lose Their Identity
Writer N Karthikeyan, co-author of ‘Naam Tholaitha Madurai Veedhigal’, emphasizes the historical value of these streets. He points out that names like Alavaikara Lane, which date back centuries, still carry rich heritage, yet often lack visible name boards. "Although there are only a few houses on that street these days, it still carries that history, but there is no name board to signify that," Karthikeyan laments. He also mentions Eluthanikara Street, once a center for crafting styluses during the Sangam era, where the name board is damaged and covered in dust.
Citizen Efforts and Official Response
In response to this neglect, Karthikeyan has taken it upon himself to clean and maintain name boards on historical streets, aiming to preserve Madurai's cultural heritage. Meanwhile, a Madurai corporation official has stated that repairs are underway for damaged street name boards. "Whenever we are called to do any repairs, we also ensure that the board is updated with the correct information as well," the official said, adding that all street name boards will soon display accurate information.
The ongoing efforts by both citizens and authorities highlight the urgent need to address this issue, ensuring that Madurai's storied past is not lost to modern-day neglect and vandalism.
