Latest news with #LadduPrasadam
Hans India
5 minutes ago
- General
- Hans India
Single-use plastic banned in temples across state
Vijayawada: A significant step toward making Andhra Pradesh's spiritual sites plastic-free was taken on Friday with the statewide implementation of a ban on single-use plastics in temples. The initiative, led by the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB), aims to promote environmental sustainability and reduce plastic waste. Chairman of the APPCB Dr P Krishnayya announced the milestone, crediting the support of key state leaders. 'The directives of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the commitment of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, the support of endowments minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, and the guidance of the APPCB have made this historic decision possible,' he stated. He also expressed gratitude to endowments commissioner Ramachandra Mohan for his efforts in ending the use of single-use plastics in temples. The initiative will begin with Sri Kanaka Durga temple and the Malleswara Swamy temple in Vijayawada, with plans to expand to over 120 major temples across the state. The renowned Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) was cited as a forerunner in this movement, having already implemented a ban on plastic water bottles and using biodegradable covers for its famous Laddu Prasadam. Under the new rules, plastic carry bags, bottles, disposable plates, and cups will be prohibited within temple premises. Devotees, vendors, and staff are being encouraged to switch to eco-friendly alternatives like cloth bags, steel tumblers, and leaf plates. 'Lakhs of devotees visit temples every year. This effort will significantly reduce plastic waste, increase environmental awareness, and serve as a model for green spiritual tourism,' Dr Krishnayya said. He urged temple managements to enforce the ban strictly and conduct awareness programs for the public. This initiative is part of a broader vision to enhance public health and maintain cleanliness around temples while preserving traditions in an environmentally friendly manner. Dr Krishnayya congratulated the endowments department for blending spirituality with environmental protection and called on everyone to join the cause of making temples in Andhra Pradesh plastic-free.
New Indian Express
30-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Vijayawada city gears up for 11-day grand Dasara celebrations
VIJAYAWADA: NTR District Collector G Lakshmisha and Vijayawada City Commissioner of Police (CP) SV Rajasekhar Babu stated that devotees will be given top priority during the upcoming Dasara festivities at Sri Kanaka Durga temple on Indrakeeladri, with preparations already underway to ensure a smooth and memorable experience. 'Taking inspiration from last year's successful celebrations, we are integrating technology and AI tools to enhance the overall experience for devotees,' they said. The 11-day Dasara fete is scheduled to begin from September 22 to October 2. The first coordination meeting was held at the Collectorate on Tuesday, where officials discussed arrangements for special pujas, alankarams, queue lines, barricading, online and spot booking counters, sanitation, water supply, showers at ghats, parking, passes, and the security system. Addressing the media, Collector Lakshmisha said around 1 lakh devotees are expected to visit daily, with the number rising to 1.5 lakh on Moola Nakshatram. A 24x7 Command Control Centre will monitor the rush. Special arrangements will be made for devotees participating in events like Laksha Kumkumarchana and Chandi Homam. Focus will be laid on queue lines, distribution of Laddu Prasadam, Annaprasadam, drinking water, and sanitation. He instructed departments to complete all arrangements by September 20. Police Commissioner Rajasekhar Babu said strict measures will be implemented to prevent inconvenience to pilgrims. 'Last year, we had only three or four drones. This year, 42 drones and about 5,000 CCTV cameras in the Vijayawada Commissionerate will be used for surveillance,' he said. Traffic and parking management is also being prioritised. The CP added that coordination meetings and field visits will be held over the next 50 days to ensure the success of the festival in a spiritually vibrant atmosphere. Temple EO VK Seena Naik said the Navaratri celebrations of Goddess Kanaka Durga will be organised in a grand manner. Joint Collector S Ilakkiya and others were present.
New Indian Express
08-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Srikakulam Uddanam cashew bags national ODOP award; farmers seek MSP boost
SRIKAKULAM: Uddanam cashew has been selected for the prestigious national award under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative for 2025. The recognition comes as part of the Centre's efforts to promote region-specific products, enhance economic growth and boost local employment. The official communication reached the district administration on Monday. Srikakulam Collector Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar and District Horticulture Officer Ratnala Varaprasada Rao will receive the award at a ceremony in New Delhi on July 14. Uddanam, located in the Srikakulam district, is renowned for cashew cultivation across Palasa, Vajrapukotturu, Mandasa, Sompeta, Kaviti, Kanchili and Itchapuram mandals. Cashew is grown on over 1 lakh acres, and numerous processing units operate in the region. Over 1.05 lakh families are directly or indirectly dependent on cashew farming and processing. Known for its high-quality nuts and dal, the region supplies nearly 3,000 kg of cashew dal daily for the preparation of Laddu Prasadam at the Tirumala temple in Tirupati. Farmers, supported by the horticulture department and agricultural scientists, are using hybrid varieties and modern techniques. They are now urging the government to fix a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 16,000 per 80 kg bag of raw cashew nuts to ensure sustainability. A Central team visited Uddanam in February to inspect farms and units before recommending the award. Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu hailed it as a collective success of officials, farmers, and processing unit owners. Representatives of the Cashew Farmers' Association said the recognition will boost the sector's morale. Horticulture Officer Ratnala Varaprasada Rao said the award reflects the farmers' adoption of scientific and mechanised methods in cashew production.
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Srikalahasti MLA fulfils election promise on birthday
Srikalahasti MLA Bojjala Venkata Sudheer Reddy has fulfilled a promise made by him ahead of the general elections to build a bridge across the Telugu Ganga canal. On the occasion of his birthday on Thursday, Mr. Reddy formally conducted the 'Bhumi Puja' and laid the foundation stone for the bridge at Kallipudi village, in Thottambedu mandal. In fact, the MLA had announced the adoption of the Kallipudi village and the bridge. Local residents, who attended the ceremony, expressed delight as the new bridge would significantly ease their travel woes, particularly improving access to the burial ground located on the other side of the canal. Mr. Sudheer Reddy, accompanied by his wife Rishita Reddy, offered prayers at the famed Srikalahastheeswara Swamy Devasthanam on the occasion and personally distributed 'Laddu Prasadam' to the visiting devotees. Meanwhile, HRD Minister Nara Lokesh called the MLA and extended his wishes on the occasion. It may be recalled that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and the MLA's father and former Minister Bojjala Gopalakrishna Reddy were also friends since their college days.
Hans India
04-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
Ensure success of Penchalakona Brahmotsavams: Anam
Nellore: The Coordination Committee meeting headed by Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy on Saturday has stressed the need for coordination between various departments for making Sri Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Brahmotsavams success. The nine-day event will be held from May 8 to 14 at Penchalakona village of Rapur mandal. The Committee also decided to provide Laddu Prasadam to devotees at free of cost on the occasion of Garuda Seva and Kalyanostavam. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Anam informed that for the first time, it was decided to provide Laddu Prasadam to devotees on Bangaru Garuda Seva and Kalyanam. He instructed the officials to provide drinking water, buttermilk, milk and biscuits to children waiting in queues. Anam ordered police officials to install CCTV cameras and head count mission and Command Control Center to avoid any untoward incidents during the event. Fire department officials were directed to make fire engine services available round-the-clock, to organise medical camps at temple premises and to keep ORS packets ready to distribute to devotees. Venkatagiri MLA Kurugondla Ramakrishna and others were present.
