The temple town of Tiruvannamalai finally has its own first free modern laundry for dhobis to prevent pollution of waterbodies, especially local ponds, that have been used by them for over a century.
Officials of Tiruvannamalai municipality, which has constructed the new facility, said that the free laundry would provide a stable work and income for dhobis and their families in the town. It would also help conserve ponds and groundwater in the town. “The initiative was aimed not to affect the livelihood of dhobis in the town and also to prevent waterbodies from getting polluted. The new laundry will be maintained by the dhobis association,” N. Dakshnamurthy, Commissioner, Tiruvannamalai municipality, told The Hindu.
Accompanied by Collector B. Murugesh, Minister for Public Works and Highways E.V. Velu inaugurated the new laundry. Spread over 5,000 sq.ft. near Thamarai Kulam, the laundry, built at a cost of ₹23 lakh, comprises a large drier machine, diesel generator, an ironing room and a few cubicles.
