Shanghumugham set to transform into Vibrant Food Street

Plans are in progress to transform Shanghumugham into a prominent food street and enhance its overall appeal. Currently, the area appears dilapidated, with only a few street vendors present. However, efforts are underway to renovate the area and attract more visitors.This project is a collaborative effort involving the state tourism department, Smart City, and the district tourism promotion council. The main sections of focus for renovation will be the entrance to Shanghumugham, the Kalmandapam, and the Arattukulam.The main objective is to beautify and rebrand Shanghumugham. Our aim is to provide proper facilities for the rehabilitation of roadside hawkers and food stalls. This will involve setting up suitable kiosks equipped with waste management systems, water treatment arrangements, and food waste converters. The project will be divided into two zones: zone 1, which is near the entrance, and zone 2, the path adjacent to the coffee house, explained an official.It is important to note that the project will not extend to the eroding beach area, which remains a major concern for both residents and visitors.We have been informed that the irrigation department plans to construct an offshore breakwater to address the issue of sea erosion. Until this development takes place, we cannot construct any structures near the beach. Once the breakwater is in place, we can consider erecting a gabion wall using granite rocks to provide further protection to the area, the official added.The estimated cost for the entire project is around Rs 40 million, pending final approval of the design. Construction work is expected to commence in the last week of August, after the monsoon season.