Heavy Rain Puts Indrakeeladri On High Alert

Temple executive officer V.K. Seena Naik held an emergency meeting with officials on Thursday and conducted a field inspection of the hill, focusing on landslide-prone areas, the ghat road and retaining walls.

Engineering and sanitation staff were directed to prevent water stagnation on roads, steps and queue lines and remain alert to stones, soil and debris being washed onto roads. Rubber mats and carpets were ordered at slippery stretches, while security personnel were to be deployed at vulnerable points.

Battery-operated vehicles were ordered to operate continuously to assist elderly and differently abled devotees, pregnant women and mothers with infants travelling to and from the Maha Mandapam. Lift facilities were also directed to remain operational, with technical staff available.

The EO directed officials to provide hot food at the Annaprasadam building and hot water at drinking water points. Electrical installations, poles and lighting boards exposed to rainwater were to be inspected regularly to prevent short circuits. Emergency medicines and medical staff were to be kept ready at the first-aid centre.

During the inspection, Naik examined the Chinna Rajagopuram, Subramanya Swamy and Nataraja Swamy temple areas before inspecting the Om turning and other vulnerable stretches. He ordered continuous monitoring of retaining walls and protective iron grills at locations where landslides had occurred earlier.

At Kanaka Durga Nagar, he inspected drainage outlets and ordered regular desilting. He also reviewed ghat road repair works and directed officials to ensure swift drainage of rainwater.

After inspecting the new Annaprasadam building, he ordered the temple’s main stores, currently located on the sixth floor of the Maha Mandapam, to be shifted immediately to its cellar. He directed the engineering and sanitation wings to coordinate closely ahead of the Dasara Sarannavaratri festivities.