Ensure safe darshan for devotees: Ministers

With an estimated 30 per cent increase in devotees compared to last year, the ministers stressed the need for a well-planned approach. Officials were directed to facilitate hassle-free darshan of Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy and ensure essential amenities. They also noted that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had instructed that the Mahashivratri Brahmotsavam be conducted on a grand scale.

Ramanarayana Reddy ordered officials to set up designated holding and parking areas and provide free shuttle services from parking zones to the temple. He also mandated the distribution of milk, drinking water and biscuits to devotees in queue lines throughout the 11-day festival, with special provisions for women with infants. Free laddu prasadam will be distributed to devotees in queue lines on February 24, 25, 26 and 27.

To enhance security and crowd management, the endowments department will supply six drone cameras to the police. The district SP was asked to arrange alternative traffic monitoring measures, including motor vehicles. The forest department will deploy special teams at local Chenchu Gudems to provide drinking water and biscuits for devotees undertaking the 40-km-long padayatra. The minister also directed that vehicles be allowed free passage at forest and endowment department check posts during the Brahmotsavam.

Srisailam temple executive officer M. Srinivasa Rao made a presentation, briefing about the preparations. District collector G. Rajakumari, MLA Budda Rajasekhara Reddy, endowments in-charge commissioner K. Ramachandra Mohan, SP Adhiraj Singh Rana and other officials attended the meeting.