Hans News Service Tirupati

DistrictCollector Dr S Venkateswar has directed officials to make advance arrangements in coordination with all departments as Vinayaka Chavithi celebrations and Tirumala Srivari Brahmotsavams will be held simultaneously this year.

He held a review meeting at the Collectorate on Thursday in the presence of SP L Subba Rayudu, Joint Collector R Govinda Rao, Corporation Commissioner M Jaya Krishna and other officials. The Collector said Vinayaka Chavithi celebrations would begin on September 14, while Srivari Brahmotsavams would be held from September 15 to 23.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s visit to Tirupati on September 15 evening would also require special attention to security, traffic management, police deployment and the movement of devotees and public. The Collector asked officials to prepare a special action plan for Garuda Seva, which is expected to draw a large number of devotees. The timings of Vinayaka idol immersions, procession routes, movement of devotees and traffic diversions should be coordinated in advance.

In view of the Brahmotsavams, he appealed to people in Tirupati to complete Vinayaka idol immersions on September 14, 16 and 20, corresponding to the first, third and seventh days of the celebrations. Vinayaka Sagar will be used as the main immersion point, while ponds at Daminedu, Thukivakam and Chennayagunta have been identified as alternative locations. Officials were asked to provide the required facilities at these places.

The Collector said the municipal department would have a key role in managing the Vinayaka Chavithi arrangements. He also directed officials to use the services of NCC personnel and volunteers for crowd management, guidance and emergency assistance. SP L Subba Rayudu said route maps for Vinayaka idol processions should be prepared in advance and special measures should be taken for traffic diversions, parking and crowd control. Drivers transporting the idols should undergo mandatory drunk-driving tests, and strict action should be taken against those found driving under the influence of alcohol.