A total of two lakh sq ft of compound walls, predominantly of government buildings, across the city will soon have paintings depicting facets of Tamil Nadu’s art and culture.

The work, to be taken up by the Chennai Corporation, will be launched in a fortnight.

This was announced by Mayor M. Subramanian at the inaugural function of the 36th India Tourist and Industrial Fair on Island Grounds here on Tuesday.

The fair was inaugurated by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. The initiative is part of the measures of the civic body to beautify the city.

It had earlier imposed a ban on wall posters and graffiti on Anna Salai, Kamarajar Salai, Tiruvottiyur High Road and Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai.

“The painting work will start after the monsoon,” Mr. Subramanian said.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Karunanidhi said he was keen on transforming Chennai into a clean, beautiful, modernised and well appreciated city.

He sought the cooperation of the public to make the exhibition venue as well as the recently beautified Marina beach a litter-free zone.

He added that growth in tourism sector resulted in improvement to the economic condition of a city/State.

In his special address Chief Secretary K.S. Sripathi said the India Tourist and Industrial Fair served as a bridge between government officials and public to understand the various welfare measures implemented by the State government.

The Chief Minister presented mementos to Forest Department and Fire and Rescue Services Department officials for putting up pavilions in record time.

He also honoured the designers who had created the models of the National Art Gallery (main entrance) and the Thanjavur Big Temple at the fair.

Source: The hindu