The picturesque hill station of Ooty, long celebrated as the Queen of Nilgiris, is witnessing the distressing decline of its primary welcome point for tourists. Charing Cross, situated at the very heart of Ooty town, now presents a troubling picture of neglect and congestion that threatens to undermine the visitor experience.
Historic Junction Losing Its Charm
Charing Cross serves as a vital transportation hub with one section connecting four important roads and another linking five roads, including a national highway. The centerpiece of this junction is the magnificent Adam's Fountain, constructed in 1886 as a memorial to William Patrick Adam, who served as governor of the Madras Presidency during the British era.
This historic fountain, which should be the pride of Ooty, now finds itself surrounded by multiple eyesores that have transformed the area into an unwelcoming space. The current scene includes police barricades stored haphazardly, illegal vehicle parking, an uninviting police 'May I Help You' counter, and ongoing construction of a bus stand directly in front of Breeks Memorial School - itself a historic site.
Voices of Concern from Locals and Experts
D Radhakrishnan, a senior journalist familiar with Ooty's heritage, expressed strong criticism about the situation. "This shows a lack of aesthetic sense and a poor understanding among officials about the history and importance of the famous Charing Cross, Adam's Fountain and the natural aspects of Ooty in general," he stated.
Radhakrishnan specifically questioned the utility of the police counter at Charing Cross, noting that it serves no purpose for tourists and functions mainly as a meeting point for police personnel. He emphasized that the construction of a bus stand in front of Breeks Memorial School demonstrates significant lack of foresight by the authorities.
Anandhi Chandran, a local resident, highlighted additional traffic issues. "A section of the national highway near Adam's Fountain has been closed to traffic for the past few years, redirecting vehicles to take a circular route. This closed area is currently being used for storing barricades and for parking vehicles," she explained.
Municipality Responds with Assurance
The maintenance responsibility for Adam's Fountain and the nearby Gandhi statue falls under the Udhagamandalam municipality. When approached for comments, municipality chairwoman Vaneeswari told TOI that action would be taken soon to restore the charm of Charing Cross.
In a promising development, national highways officials expressed uncertainty about who authorized the bus stand construction in front of the school gate. They indicated they would instruct workers to stop the construction until further notice, potentially preventing further damage to the historic area.
The situation at Charing Cross represents a critical test for local authorities balancing development needs with heritage conservation. As Ooty continues to attract tourists seeking the natural beauty and historical charm of the Nilgiris, the restoration of this important junction becomes increasingly urgent for maintaining the hill station's reputation as a premier destination.
