Office-bearers of the Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry have alleged that the Madurai City Municipal Corporation has failed to allocate adequate space for the installation of the historic fish emblem, a symbol associated with the Pandya dynasty and the identity of Madurai, despite directions from the High Court.
The three-ton brass fish emblem was installed at the Madurai Railway Junction in 1998 and had been maintained for more than two decades. However, due to railway expansion and metro rail-related works, the emblem had to be relocated. Following a court directive, space was earmarked near the Tourism Plaza adjoining the Periyar Bus Stand for its reinstallation.
Addressing reporters, Chamber President N. Jegatheesan said the organization had already expressed its willingness to reinstall the emblem at an estimated cost of ₹40 lakh while preserving its heritage value. The Chamber had also undertaken to bear a monthly maintenance cost of ₹50,000.
He alleged that despite the High Court order and a resolution passed by the Corporation, sufficient space has not been provided at the designated location. As a result, the reinstallation has been delayed. He further claimed that the site has effectively become a parking area for vehicles belonging to nearby commercial establishments.
According to the Chamber, repeated representations to the Municipal Corporation’s Deputy Commissioner and Chief Engineer have not yielded any action. The organization has urged the Corporation to install the emblem in a prominent public location near Periyar Bus Stand so that residents and visitors can view an important symbol of Madurai’s heritage.
Jegatheesan also alleged that commercial shops had been allotted in the proposed area, affecting the project. He stated that the Chamber plans to meet local MLAs and explain the issue in detail.
Stressing that the organization is prepared to spend ₹40 lakh to preserve a key cultural symbol of Madurai, he questioned the reasons for the prolonged delay and called upon authorities to clarify the matter to the public.
The Chamber warned that if immediate action is not taken, it may mobilize public protests or pursue further legal remedies to ensure the fish emblem is installed at the designated site.