Master plan for Vijayawada’s Durga temple due by July 15

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh endowments department has directed officials to submit the draft master plan for the comprehensive development of the Kanaka Durga temple atop Indrakeeladri by July 15, setting the stage for a long-term roadmap aimed at improving infrastructure and pilgrim amenities at one of the state’s most visited shrines.According to temple officials, the draft master plan is being prepared with a vision to guide the temple’s development over the next 25 years. Once the draft is submitted, it will be reviewed by endowments commissioner K Ramachandra Mohan and later placed before public representatives and other stakeholders before being finalised. Officials said all future development activities on Indrakeeladri would be carried out in accordance with the approved master plan.The proposed plan is expected to focus on enhancing facilities for devotees, particularly during peak festivals such as Dasara and other occasions that witness heavy pilgrim footfall. Key proposals include strengthening queue line management, creating spacious waiting areas for devotees, improving tonsuring (kalyanakatta) facilities, modernising prasadam preparation halls and developing annaprasadam halls to cater to the growing number of pilgrims visiting the temple throughout the year.

During an inspection of the ongoing development works recently, K Ramachandra Mohan reviewed the progress of the new laddu preparation unit and annaprasadam building under construction on the temple premises. He directed officials to ensure that the draft master plan is submitted within the stipulated deadline and stressed that the temple’s future infrastructure development should be guided by a comprehensive and scientific plan.The commissioner also instructed officials to expedite the ongoing construction works so that the new laddu preparation facility and annaprasadam building are ready for devotees during the forthcoming Sravana Masam. He expressed dissatisfaction over delays in the execution of the projects and asked engineering officials to accelerate the works without compromising on quality.Temple officials said no project cost has been finalised yet, as the financial estimates will be prepared after the master plan is approved. They added that the document will serve as the blueprint for the shrine’s phased development, ensuring that future infrastructure is planned in line with the increasing number of devotees visiting Indrakeeladri.