Telangana: Jatara Deadline Looms as Medaram Works Lag

Warangal: With just 15 days left before the historic Sammakka-Saralamma Maha Jatara begins on January 28, concerns are mounting over whether ongoing development works will meet the January 15 deadline.

During a recent visit, a team of state ministers led by Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka directed all departments to complete their works by the deadline. However, several key infrastructure projects remain in hurried final stages, prompting doubts among locals and devotees about the quality of work being carried out in a rush.

The Roads and Buildings (R&B) department is executing a 3-km road from Medaram Colony to the Uttaram Stupa at a cost of ₹27 crore. While 2 km of the cement concrete (CC) road has been completed, the remaining 1 km is being finished at a rapid pace. The sudden acceleration after the ministerial review has triggered allegations of rushed construction, though officials maintain the work will be completed by January 15.

The Rural Water Supply (RWS) department is behind schedule on temporary facilities. Although construction of the permanent overhead reservoir (OHR) tank is progressing, work on temporary toilets and drinking water pipelines is yet to begin. Officials are flushing 65 borewells and 120 handpumps in preparation for the influx of devotees. Delays in toilet construction were attributed to labour shortages during the paddy harvest season, though contractors have now received the required materials.

Renovation of the main temple area is also progressing slowly. While the base beam for the Salaram (outer wall) has been completed, CC works for new arches are still underway, with stone pillars currently being installed. The irrigation department is preparing the Jampanna Vagu for the holy dip, with desilting completed in 18 of the 22 identified wells. As recent floods washed away sand, officials are sourcing sand externally to level the streambed. Materials for the battery of taps (shower systems) are expected shortly to ease pressure on the main stream.

The panchayat raj department is handling 7 km of drainage works, but the project has drawn criticism for poor organisation. In the Reddigudem area, work began only a few days ago. Inspections revealed unevenly built side walls in some sections, which could obstruct water flow. Workers were reprimanded and instructed to realign the drains to ensure smooth passage during the massive congregation. Despite visible delays, department heads remain confident of meeting the deadline.

Srikanth, a devotee from Hanamkonda who visited Medaram on Sunday, said the government should have allowed adequate time for proper planning and execution instead of carrying out works in a hurried manner. He said many works remain incomplete and doubted their completion before the Jatara, warning that devotees could face inconvenience during the event.