Karur district administration has mooted an exclusive domestic tourism circuit with a focus on showcasing the organic farming methods being adopted at Vanagam, where renowned agricultural scientist and social activist late G. Nammalvar lived at Surumanpatti near Kadavur.

Vanagam, a non-profit organisation, collectively formed by people from different strata of society, offers hands-on training courses based on extensive study and research done over a period of several years and propagates ecological principles. To uplift the rain-fed farmers, research has been taken up on millets, pulses, and other rain-fed crops.

The farm, where Nammalvar, who propagated the ideals of organic farming, was buried on January 1, 2014, has been getting a steady stream of visitors. It gets farmers from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Keralam. Taking this into account, the Karur district administration, with the involvement of the Department of Tourism, has proposed a domestic tourism circuit. The Ponnaniyar Dam and Inba Seva Sangam at Sevapur near Tharagampatti, which promotes selfless service, brotherhood, and self-reliance, are part of the circuit.

Collector C. Muthukumaran told The Hindu that Nammalvar farm had been getting visitors from different parts of the State. Creation of a tourism circuit by connecting Kadavur, Ponnaniyar Dam, and Sevapur would attract more tourists to the areas. As part of the initiative, tourism infrastructure facilities would be established at a cost of ₹2.5 crore at Ponnaniyar Dam. A proposal had been sent to the State government.

While Ponnaniyar dam, nestled between Perumal Malai and Semmalai, would offer the tourists to explore the sylvan surroundings and the ecology of the region, Vanagam would offer organic farming methods. The tourists could find attraction at Sevapur, which was considered a model village that promotes communal harmony and brotherhood, Mr. Muthukumaran added.

A gang’s attempt to loot the State Bank of India’s branch at Kovilur in Karur district in the early hours of Monday was foiled as the alarm got activated. No cash or jewellery was stolen from the bank which is in the Aravakurichi police station limits, the police said.

The police said thieves broke into the bank through the rear window and ransacked the bank and damaged the fire alarm system. When the gang broke the locks of the safe room, the alarm got activated forcing them to flee the spot. A bank employee, who noticed the damage in the morning, alerted his superiors and the police.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) robust performance in urban areas have unsettled the calculations of the DMK and the AIADMK in Karur district.

Out of four constituencies, the DMK won in Kulithalai and Aravakurichi, the TVK tasted success in Krishnarayapuram and the AIADMK in Karur. R. Elango and Suriyanur Chandran were the winners from Kulithalai and Aravakurichi constituencies respectively, former Minister M.R. Vijayabhaskar won from Karur constituency. M. Sathya was elected from Krishnarayapuram constituency.