Devotees Flag Dangerous Bridge, Poor Crowd Control At Vemulawada

Pilgrims have voiced strong frustration over the authorities’ failure to provide basic facilities and ensure safe infrastructure, particularly at the Bheemeshwara Swamy Temple, where dangerous gaps in the walkway bridge pose a serious threat to devotees.

The temple, an affiliated shrine of the Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple, has become the main centre for rituals while the principal shrine undergoes expansion. However, devotees pointed out that the staircase and elevated walkway bridge, standing over five feet high, have wide open gaps and are in a dilapidated, rusted condition, raising fears that the structure could give way with movement.

Elderly pilgrims and parents with young children said they were facing severe difficulty while crossing the bridge, warning that even a minor slip could result in a serious accident. They criticised the temple administration for ignoring these structural hazards despite the surge in pilgrim numbers during Sankranti and the run-up to the Medaram Jatara.

At the Baddi Pochamma Temple, where devotees traditionally offer Bonalu and Mokku after visiting Lord Rajanna, there was a complete breakdown in crowd management. Thousands of pilgrims, including many from other states, struggled due to the absence of organised queue systems and basic amenities.

Inadequate barricading and insufficient personnel led to chaotic scenes, making it difficult for devotees to perform rituals. Officials were caught unprepared despite the consecutive holidays and the customary practice of pilgrims visiting Vemulawada ahead of the Medaram Jatara, which significantly increased footfall.

The overall sentiment among devotees was one of disappointment. While the temples generate substantial revenue through Arjita Sevas and Kode Mokku, devotees said there was little visible investment in safety and comfort on the ground.

Locals and pilgrims demanded that authorities immediately repair or replace the unsafe bridge at the Bheemeshwara Swamy Temple and put in place effective crowd and safety management measures before the peak festival season begins.

Caption for Photo-1a & 1b of Puli file-1: The staircase and elevated walkway at Bheemeshwara Swamy Temple in Vemulawada, Rajanna Sircilla district, show wide open gaps and severe rusting, raising fears of collapse with movement.