Indrakeeladri temple development gains momentum; master plan, land protection in focus

The Hindu

6 days ago

The Andhra Pradesh government is moving swiftly on the comprehensive development and protection of the historic Sri Kanaka Durga Temple on Indrakeeladri, with two high-level review meetings held on Monday focusing on infrastructure upgrades and safeguarding temple lands from encroachment.
Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy chaired a review meeting on the ongoing temple development works and the implementation of the master plan, on Monday.
The Minister emphasised that the government is prioritising the enhancement of basic infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of devotees from across India. 'The temple will be part of the national Vision Document 2047. We are implementing a master plan to address issues systematically,' he stated.
Highlighting the cooperation of local representatives, the Minister acknowledged the proactive roles played by both Vijayawada MP Kesineni Shivnath and MLA Sujana Chowdary. He added that efforts are under way to secure Central support under the PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) scheme to boost temple tourism infrastructure.
Mr.Shivnath praised the government's initiatives, calling them 'historic steps' that will leave a lasting legacy. 'We are working on long-term solutions that will stand for the next 50 years. Our DPRs have been reviewed, and we will proceed comprehensively with the master plan. The comfort of devotees remains our highest priority,' he said, hinting at positive developments from his consultations at the Central level.
Endowments Department Secretary V. Vinay Chand and Commissioner K. Ramachandra Mohan, along with MLA Sujana Chowdary, joined virtually.
Temple lands
In a separate review later in the evening, the Kanaka Durga Temple EO V. K. Seena Naik convened a meeting with the temple's Leases and Land Department staff to address the encroachment of 11.54 acres of temple land located in Vijayawada's Kedareswarapeta – Lotus area. The land, valued at approximately ₹200 crore, was found to be illegally occupied.
To prevent unauthorised transactions, the lands have now been officially listed under Section 22A 1C (Prohibited Properties). EO Seena Naik stressed that the temple administration, in coordination with the Revenue, Stamps & Registration, and Municipal Administration Departments, is taking immediate and uncompromising action.
To address space constraints in the lower Mahāmaṇḍapam zone, the EO held another meeting with temple engineers to evaluate land acquisition for future infrastructure, including a new Anna Prasadam hall and Laddu Potu (kitchen).
Executive Engineers Koteshwara Rao and Rambabu were among those present, and discussions centered on maximising available space for upcoming facilities, keeping in view the rising footfall of pilgrims.