Hans News Service Vijayawada

Reaffirmingthe state government’s commitment to the holistic development of Indrakeeladri, the sacred abode of Goddess Kanaka Durga, Endowments Department Commissioner K Ramachandra Mohan on Thursday said that every development initiative at the hill shrine is aimed at providing better amenities and a hassle-free pilgrimage experience for devotees. During an extensive inspection of the ongoing infrastructure works at the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam, the Commissioner reviewed the progress of the new Laddu Potu (prasadam preparation unit) and Annadanam Complex in the presence of Temple Trust Board Chairman Borra Radhakrishna (Gandhi) and senior officials. Ramachandra Mohan expressed serious concern over the delays in executing the projects and directed the engineering officials to complete both facilities before the start of Sravana Masam. This timeline is crucial to ensure that the new Laddu Potu can be utilised for prasadam preparation and the Annadanam Complex can be used for free meal distribution well in advance of the Dasara Navaratri celebrations.

The Commissioner instructed officials to submit the draft Indrakeeladri Master Plan by July 15, stating that the blueprint should address the temple’s long-term infrastructure needs while ensuring improved crowd management and enhanced facilities for the ever-growing number of pilgrims. Reviewing the construction works, he questioned officials over the slow pace despite repeated inspections and warned that further delays would not be tolerated. He directed the engineering teams to speed up the works by deploying manpower round-the-clock in multiple shifts and emphasised that there should be no compromise on construction quality or prudent utilisation of public funds. He also personally reviewed the flooring works and suggested suitable colour schemes for the new Laddu Potu building.

The commissioner also inspected the elevated queue complex and took serious exception to commercial establishments, including cool drink stalls and other shops, operating beneath the structure. He ordered their immediate removal, stating that the space was created exclusively for improving pilgrim movement and convenience. “Every inch of land on Indrakeeladri must be utilised solely for the benefit of devotees and not for commercial activities,” he asserted. Deputy Executive Officer Kishore Babu, Executive Engineer Rama, Assistant Commissioner Rangarao and engineering officials accompanied the Commissioner during the inspection.