Latest news with #GodavariPushkaralu
Hans India
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Over 8 cr devotees expected to participate
Rajamahendravaram: The 2027 Godavari Pushkaralu is expected to draw an unprecedented crowd of around 8 crore pilgrims, turning the Rajamahendravaram and Kovvur regions into spiritual hubs for 12 days. Authorities estimate a daily footfall of about 65 lakh people, significantly higher than the previous Pushkaralu in ensure smooth and safe management of such massive crowds, the government has decided to begin planning and development works well in advance. Drawing inspiration from the successful use of AI technology at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Andhra Pradesh will now deploy Artificial Intelligence-powered surveillance systems at major bathing to officials, AI cameras will be installed to monitor real-time movements of pilgrims, detect crowd surges, and instantly alert a dedicated special control room. This data will be relayed to departments like Revenue, Police, and Disaster Management, helping them make quick, informed decisions. Around 150 advanced AI-enabled cameras are likely to be installed across key ghats in Rajamahendravaram alone. Authorities plan to accommodate about four devotees per square meter at the ghats. A total of 60 major bathing ghats have been identified in Rajamahendravaram and Kovvur. Bathing will be permitted from 4 am to 10 pm during the Pushkaralu days, and arrangements are being made to enable around 3.5 lakh people to take a dip every hour. The tragic stampede in 2015, which claimed 27 lives, has prompted the government to ensure foolproof crowd control mechanisms this time. The Centre is also expected to play a significant role in organising the event, as the BJP is a coalition partner in the state government. The central intelligence agencies have already sought detailed reports on the planning and preparedness for the Pushkaralu, including crowd estimates and infrastructure readiness. District Collector and Municipal Commissioner P Prasanthi, who is overseeing the planning, is focusing on implementing a robust action plan to prevent any untoward incidents. Officials say the goal is to place every pilgrim under seamless surveillance from the time they enter a ghat till they leave, using AI as a key tool to ensure safety, discipline, and devotion.
Hans India
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
MLA Powar threatens hunger strike
Nirmal: Mudhole MLA war Ramarao Patel criticised both the previous and current governments for neglecting the development of Basara temple. He demanded the immediate release of Rs 42 crore in funds and declared that there would be no rest until the temple reconstruction begins. Speaking at the Tahsildar's office on Saturday during the distribution of Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak cheques to 36 beneficiaries, he warned that if reconstruction doesn't begin, he would go on a hunger strike during the upcoming Dussehra and Diwali festivals. He reminded that the Godavari Pushkaralu will be held in June 2027, drawing millions of devotees, and urged the government to take proactive steps. He emphasized that the Rs 42 crore previously allocated must be re-sanctioned immediately. He blamed past rulers for Basara's underdevelopment, contrasting it with the 50 crore temple construction completed in Adelli. On the agriculture front, he highlighted that repairs to motors and canals under the Basara Lift Irrigation scheme have enabled irrigation for 1,600 acres. He announced that Rs 1.12 crore would soon be sanctioned for further irrigation works, with tenders to be floated shortly. He also mentioned multiple meetings with Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar on this matter. Regarding healthcare, he disclosed plans to construct a 30-bed hospital at the temple site with Rs 4 crore. He also noted that the Basara Railway Station has been modernised with Central government funds and that the double railway line will be completed by next year. A proposal has been submitted to the central government to extend the Vande Mataram Express to Basara. He assured that a Kendriya Vidyalaya (Central School) will be launched next year. With the upcoming completion of a 100-room guesthouse in Basara, Ministers Konda Surekha and Jupalli Krishna Rao will be invited to discuss various temple related issues.
New Indian Express
02-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
CM Naidu promises pensions, fast-tracked development; vows to complete Polavaram by 2027
VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced that timely pension distribution on the first of every month has created a festive atmosphere in villages, contrasting sharply with the previous YSRCP government, which he accused of looting pensions meant for the differently-abled and misusing funds under welfare schemes like Amma Vodi. He emphasised that his government ensures every mother gets support, regardless of number of children, with social security pensions raised to Rs 4,000, Rs 10,000 for dialysis patients, and Rs 15,000 for bedridden, backed by a Rs 2,750 crore monthly allocation—outpacing States like Telangana (Rs 8,000 crore per annum) and Kerala (Rs 7,200 crore). Addressing a gathering at Praja Vedika in Malakapalli of Kovvur segment during the Pedala Sevalo programme on Tuesday, he handed over a cobbler pension to Sanamandra Posh Babu, and a widow pension to Geddam Krishnadurga, engaging with their families to address their concerns. He highlighted innovations like automated widow pension, and provision for collecting three months' pension at once, noting that 1,20,461 beneficiaries haven't claimed pensions in two months, potentially saving Rs 98.19 crore, though the government prioritises delivery. Naidu announced grand plans for Godavari Pushkaralu. 'I've overseen Godavari Pushkaralu in the erstwhile united AP, and also in the bifurcated AP. This time, we will conduct Godavari Pushkaralu like never before,' he asserted.
Hindustan Times
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
13 pc people receiving welfare pensions in Andhra Pradesh: CM Naidu
East Godavari , Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday said that 13 per cent of the people in the state are receiving welfare pensions, unlike any other state in the country. 13 pc people receiving welfare pensions in Andhra Pradesh: CM Naidu Addressing a village meeting at Malakapalli in East Godavari district, the chief minister highlighted that even larger and richer states than Andhra Pradesh are not offering pensions on such a big scale. "Pensions are being given to 13 per cent of people and Andhra Pradesh is the one and only such state. Per month ₹ 2,750 crore pensions are being given and nearly ₹ 33,000 crore are being spent ," Naidu said. According to the CM, a richer state like Telangana is spending only ₹ 8,000 crore and Kerala only ₹ 7,200 crore on pensions. Stating that all eligible persons should receive pensions, Naidu alleged that the previous YSRCP government used to give pensions to its cadres. Alleging that the previous YSRCP government left the Polavaram Project in tatters, the CM said, "God gave him the opportunity to complete this mega irrigation project". Observing that up to 82 per cent of the Polavaram Project has been completed, he said it will be dedicated to the nation in 2027. Further, the CM said he would rebuild the state and lead it towards development to create wealth, raise income and use that income for welfare. Also, tourism will be key to generating more jobs, he added. Delving on the forthcoming Godavari Pushkaralu, a Mahakumbh-like pilgrimage, Naidu promised to organise them in the best way possible, adding that he would be organising it for the third time. Referring to the opposition leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's tours in the state, the CM alleged that the YSRCP chief is going to call on rowdies and also to put up a show of strength. Naidu alleged that when a person fell under the wheels of Reddy's convoy during his visit to Rentapalla, "he was just thrown aside like a dog". Delving on welfare programmes like 'Talliki Vandanam', which offers ₹ 15,000 per school-going child per annum, Naidu said the TDP-led NDA government will take the onus of educating children in the state. Likewise, the TDP supremo said he will organise an event on August 15 to link 15 lakh 'Bangaru Kutumbams' with one lakh 'Margadarsis' to benefit under his P4 poverty alleviation programme. Naidu called on the beneficiary families under the P4 programme to give up a 'mindset of poverty' and reminded them that they have their own inherent strengths. Moreover, he told Malakapalli villagers that he made it to their village to be with them today despite adverse weather compelling him to abandon his helicopter ride and make alternative arrangements to reach them. Naidu took a special flight to Rajahmundry from Gannavaram Airport after abandoning his helicopter. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hans India
24-06-2025
- Hans India
Durgesh upbeat on Akhanda Godavari's tourism potential
Rajamahendravaram: Tourism, culture and cinematography minister Kandula Durgesh expressed confidence that the ambitious Akhanda Godavari Project, taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 94.44 crore, will transform the Godavari region into a major tourism hub, attracting between 15 to 20 lakh visitors annually and generating employment for over 8,000 people. Speaking to the media here on Monday, the minister announced that the foundation stone for the project will be laid at 10 am on June 26 by Union minister for tourism and culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and Rajahmundry MP Daggubati Purandeswari. The project encompasses the redevelopment of the historic Havelock Bridge, the spiritual enhancement of Pushkar Ghat, the introduction of a daily Godavari Harathi, the establishment of an Experience Centre at Kadiyam Nursery, and the beautification of key religious and tourism spots such as Bridge Lanka and the famed Sri Kota Sattemma temple in Nidadavole. The Havelock Bridge, a 127-year-old heritage structure, will be reconstructed and converted into a dynamic cultural and recreational destination. Of its 54 spans along the 2.7 km stretch, 25 spans will be developed, each themed individually including zones representing Rajamahendravaram's history, Andhra Pradesh's legacy, waterfalls, a glass bridge, gaming zones, a space-themed gallery, urban hot craft bazaar, hanging gardens, a hologram zoo, time travel exhibits, a rail museum, and an aquarium tunnel. Adjacent to these zones, 10 buffer spaces will be created for visitor amenities. Durgesh added that a tent city will be set up on the 120-acre Bridge Lanka area beyond the 18th span, and boating facilities will be introduced to ferry visitors to and from nearby ghats. Pushkar Ghat will be developed into a prominent spiritual destination, with a combined vision to make Havelock Bridge and Pushkar Ghat a unified, dynamic tourist attraction. Kadiyam Nursery, one of the largest nurseries in India, will be elevated into an Experience Centre, with surrounding nurseries at Kadiyapulanka and Pottilanka being upgraded with eco-friendly infrastructure. The historically significant Sri Kota Sattemma temple in Timmarajupalem (Nidadavole mandal) will also undergo beautification under the project. Additionally, plans are in place to create a Godavari Harathi Ghat at Samisragudem on the Godavari canal and initiate boating experiences in the canal. Durgesh emphasised that the vision of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is to drive tourism-led employment and wealth creation. Revenue will be generated through entry fees, tourism activities, and retail outlets within the developed zones. In preparation for the Godavari Pushkaralu, roads, transport, and tourism infrastructure will be upgraded across key locations, he said. He announced that the Oberoi Group has shown interest in investing in five locations across the state, with resort plans underway at Picchukalanka. Durgesh also stated that Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan made a remarkable speech during the Murugan Bhaktavargal manadu held in Tamil Nadu. The state government is currently formulating a comprehensive film policy to boost the cinema industry in Andhra Pradesh. On the political front, the minister strongly criticised YSRCP president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy for making provocative remarks during public tours. He condemned Jagan Mohan Reddy's approach, which he said encourages conflict and unrest. Durgesh called upon the people to reject divisive politics and support the government's efforts to establish peace and progress. He also criticised the previous administration for constructing the Rushikonda Palace instead of tourism resorts, which, he claimed, led to a loss in revenue for the tourism department. He noted that the palace's maintenance is currently causing heavy burden and said a decision will soon be taken to repurpose it for public benefit.
