Funds Stuck: Lal Darwaza Temple Expansion in Limbo

Hyderabad:Nearly a year after Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced the allocation of ₹20 crore for the expansion and renovation of the Lal Darwaza Simhavahini Mahankali temple, not a single rupee has been sanctioned or released by the state government.

Built by locals on 140 square yards, the 120-year-old temple urgently needs expansion to handle the massive crowds during the Bonalu festival, which often lead to road blockages and traffic snarls.

Initial estimates proposed expanding the temple area to 2,000 square yards. Eleven surrounding properties were marked for acquisition, with owners giving their consent. Of the ₹20 crore, ₹9.71 crore was earmarked for land acquisition. However, with funds yet to be released, the process remains stalled.

“We have been waiting for nearly 10 years. Half of our property is marked for acquisition, but we are still living in a rented house. How much longer do we have to wait?” asked Ch. Mallesh, one of the affected owners.

Temple chairman Maruthi Yadav recalled that the previous BRS government had also announced ₹10 crore in 2015, but the amount was never sanctioned. “After the latest announcement, notices were served and owners gave consent, but there has been no progress,” he said.

Despite assurances from Hyderabad in-charge minister Ponnam Prabhakar, the committee says the project is stuck. Last year, 15 lakh devotees visited the temple during Bonalu, underscoring the need for expansion. A boundary wall and smoother entry could be built once land acquisition is complete, Yadav added.

Temple advisor Raj Kumar Seera said works will only move forward after the government issues the budget release order. Several donors are ready to contribute, while treasurer Chandra Kumar urged the state to take up the project on the lines of the Medaram temple redevelopment