PRASAD scheme faces scrutiny after wall collapse incident at Simhachalam temple
Visakhapatnam: The recent wall collapse incident at Simhachalam Temple, resulting in seven fatalities and one injury, has brought the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme under scrutiny. The ministry of tourism launched this scheme in 2014-15.The scheme was envisioned to promote the holistic development of pilgrimage destinations across India. However, the works at Simhachalam were undertaken without adhering to proper norms and designs. More violations came to light after the visit of the three-member committee appointed by the govt following the wall collapse incident.The govt had sanctioned Rs 54 crore to take up various works, including a complex at New Ghat Road, which is against the Detailed Project Report (DPR). The pilgrimage center under construction at the bus stand on the hill has congested the area, while the cold storage facility remains incomplete. Works on food courts, Tourism Information Centre, and bus bays were not initiated due to incomplete designs.The five-storey facility for the devotees is being constructed at Old Pushkarini Chowltry, proposed against the permissions, and the parking facility is not according to the accommodation. There was no provision for stormwater at the commercial complex constructed recently. There were many violations in the works taken up under the PRASAD scheme.Whilst the PRASAD scheme works were scheduled for completion by 2024, only 60% progress was achieved, with expenditure of Rs 30.43 crore. Engineering officials are now seeking additional time beyond the March extension.Sources say that the works were taken up by the contractor, who secured the bid at 4% above the estimated value, failed to complete various works, including at the old Ghat Road, Yajnasala, VIP parking, and dress changing rooms at the Gangadhara, all due by 2024.
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