Medaram Works Will Last For 200 Years, Says Minister Ponguleti

Warangal: The state government is not merely performing temporary repairs but is executing permanent infrastructure projects designed for the next 200 years, said revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, after inspecting the ongoing master plan at the Sammakka-Saralamma temple at Medaram, ahead for upcoming Maha Jatara.

Srinivas Reddy was at Medaram along with panchayat raj minister Danasari ‘Seethakka’ Anasuya, Chief Minister’s adviser Vem Narendar Reddy, Mahabubabad MP Porika Balram Naik, district collector T.S. Diwakar and superintendent of police Sudheer Ramnath Kekan.

The ministers inspected the renovation of the Sammakka-Saralamma, Govindaraju and Pagididda Raju platforms, which are constructed using traditional sandstone and marble carvings and the new stone flooring, bamboo-style decorative pillars and a new compound wall.

Progress was reviewed on the Chilukalagutta Road, the Memorial Stupa, Jampanna Vagu, bathing ghats and the RTC bus station facilities, along with the construction of massive sandstone scripts and queue lines to handle the record influx of devotees.

Following the inspection, Srinivas Reddy chaired a high-level review meeting with officials and contractors and issued a stern warning regarding deadlines. He ordered them to complete all civil works, temple premises renovation, grills around the Gaddelu and CC roads outside the prakaram as early as possible.

Completion of the main entrance (Simha Dwaram), central lighting from Haritha Y-Junction to the temple and other electrical works must be finished before the deadlines. He also directed officials to complete all approach roads leading to Medaram so that they can be fully operational for public use.

Seethakka highlighted that every stone and carving was being designed to reflect the identity and history of Adivasi tribes. She noted that while bringing special marble carvings from other regions caused minor delays, the final result will educate future generations about the history of the deities. She urged critics not to politicise traditional symbols like the Swastik, which are being installed strictly according to tribal customs and the guidance of local priests.

She explained that the government anticipated that the devotee turnout for the Maha Jatara, from January 28 to 31, could be 200 per cent higher than in previous years. As many as 29 acres of land have been acquired to widen roads and create open spaces around Gaddelu. Permanent water tanks are being built to ensure that no drinking water shortages occur during the peak festival days. Massive lighting projects and central lighting systems are being installed to give the shrine a grand look at night, she added.

Srinivas Reddy said Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, his Cabinet members and all opposition leaders would be invited to witness this transformation, which is being handled with divine resolve and selfless service.