Theni, July 18, 2013: The ‘Saaral’ festival – 2013 will be held in the first or second week of August at Suruli falls in Cumbum.

This decision was taken at a special tourism meeting held at the Collectorate on Wednesday.

With good flow in the falls, the month of August will be ideal for conducting the festival. Elaborate arrangements will be made to attract tourists for the festival, said Collector K.S. Palanisamy.

Basic amenities like toilets, bathroom, changing rooms for men and women and drinking water facilities will be upgraded. An exhibition will also be conducted. SHGs, Department of Forests, Horticulture, Education, ICDS, Health, Agriculture and Public Relations Departments will take part, he added.

Competition for tourists and school and college students will be held. The TNSTC will operate additional buses to the falls from different parts of the district during the festival for the convenience of tourists.

Adequate parking lots will be created near the falls area. Fire tenders and ambulance will also be kept ready to assist tourists during emergency, the Collector said.

Superintendent of Police Praveen Kumar Abhinapu said that adequate personnel will be deputed to ensure protection to tourists visiting Surili falls.

Source: The Hindu, DT. July 18, 2013.