Delay in master plan implementation in Tirupati

Tirupati: The proposed master plan to upgrade amenities to match the ever-increasing pilgrim inflow to the Varasiddhi Vinayaka temple in Kanipakam of Irala mandal near Chittoor was not gaining momentum for several years due to various reasons.

The number of devotees to the temple has witnessed by about 80-85 percent during the last three to four years itself and the temple was getting an annual income of Rs 100 crore from all sources. Through hundi collections itself, it was getting Rs 1.1 crore to 1.2 crore per month. Yet, the temple authorities were facing uphill task in providing amenities to the pilgrims.

The villagers on the northern side of the temple have been seeking more compensation for their lands due to which the land acquisition could not be completed. There is plenty of land at its disposal on the other three sides the temple.

The construction of queue complex with several compartments would be the important task under master plan to be taken up. Renovation of 'Mushika Mandapam', construction of 'Maha Prakaram' and a few Kalyana mandapams.

As the beginning and completion of works being a big question mark all the time, the temple management has been taking all steps leaving no stone unturned in providing hassle free darshan for pilgrims.

In view of the Brahmotsavams of the temple to be held from September 2 to 22, arrangements are in full swing. It was expected that more pilgrims than regular days may visit the temple. Especially for Pushpa Pallaki more than one lakh pilgrims are expected this year as last year about 85,000 have worshipped the Lord and for Teppotsavam and Rathotsavam the number may be doubled, according to temple Executive Officer P Purnachandra Rao.

He said that, steps have been taken to arrange special queue lines to avoid stampede in view of the large turnout of pilgrims. Drinking water will be provided for them in the queue lines and more than one lakh Laddus will be made ready for the purpose. Special care will be taken on sanitation in and around the temple. Though there are enough toilets, more will be brought with the help of Municipal authorities.

To avoid any untoward incidents, about 150 police personnel along with armed reserve police including 20 Sub Inspectors will extend their services and District SP Ch Appala Naidu has been monitoring from the security arrangements, the EO maintained.

To a question, he said that sale of tickets and cottage allotment were already computerised which will be done with Aadhaar number of the pilgrims and online system will be introduced shortly.

Once the system is in place, a decision on how many tickets are to be kept online and offline has to be taken. On the whole, pilgrim convenience and providing a pleasant darshan for them will be on top of the agenda all the time, he concluded.