Rs 84 crore sanctioned for development of Chinna Tirupati

Rajamahendravaram: Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple of Dwaraka Tirumala, popularly known as Chinna Tirupati was selected under 'Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) by Union Ministry of Tourism and Culture Affairs.

With the initiative of MP Margani Bharat, who is also a member of the Standing Committee on Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the ancient temple under his parliamentary constituency brought under the scheme.

Speaking to 'The Hans India', MP Bharat Ram said that Tourism and Cultural Affairs Secretary Yogendra Makwana handed over the letter in this regard.

An amount of Rs 83.83 crore was sanctioned under PRASAD scheme for the overall development of the temple.

The development of the temple will be taken up in four phases. The first phase was 2014-2019, second phase 2020-2027, third phase 2028-2035 and fourth phase 2036-2043. The average growth of pilgrims to

the sacred shrine from a decade is nine percent and in ensuing days the number of pilgrims will increase.

The MP further said, under PRASAD scheme, necessary amenities in addition to the existing facilities will be developed to cater to the needs of the thronging pilgrims. The ancient temple is one among the important temples in the State and 20,000 to 25,000 pilgrims across the country visit the abode of the Lord.

PRASAD scheme was introduced in 2015 to enrich the religious tourism across the country by identifying the important temples under temple tourism concept, he averred.

As the temple was brought under PRASAD scheme, it will be developed on war footing, he added.