Latest news with #SujanaChowdary
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Time of India
Kanaka Durga Temple to undergo major revamp under vision 2029 initiative
Vijayawada: A major revamp is on the horizon for the iconic Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri Hill, with a comprehensive Rs 100 crore development plan unveiled as part of the state's 'Vision 2029' initiative. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The focus of this ambitious project is to significantly enhance facilities for the nearly 1.5 crore devotees who visit the temple annually. The plan was drawn up after extensive studies of the temple's present-day challenges, from traffic congestion and limited access roads to severe shortages of accommodation and sanitation facilities. Crowd management has become a major issue at Kanaka Durga Temple, with an influx of devotees increasing every year. "We have focused on improving infrastructure and amenities for devotees. The master plan is designed by studying the projected estimates of the crowd for the next 50 years," said Y Satyanarayana Chowdary (Sujana Chowdary), Vijayawada West MLA. The proposals, designed as five integrated projects, also include a detailed 3D model covering roads, ghat roads, and the entire temple precinct. Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) announced that he is actively lobbying the Union govt to sanction funds under the PRASAD scheme, with several appeals already made to the Union tourism ministry. Among the highlights of the plan is the introduction of multi-level parking at Kanaka Durga Nagar, a six-lane widened approach road to the temple, and a dedicated terminal for buses carrying devotees. A footpath and walking track will be developed to ease pedestrian flow, while a smart traffic management system will be deployed to tackle vehicular congestion. Additionally, the Indrakeeladri surroundings will be beautified with lush greenery, parks, and water fountains to create a serene atmosphere. The goal is to complete the transformation by 2029, making the temple a model spiritual destination in India.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Smart and invisible policing helping police prevent crimes, says A.P. Home Minister
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha said that 'smart and invisible policing' are helping the police to prevent crimes and provide more security to the public in the State during the launch of 'Suraksha 360' aimed at providing CCTV surveillance for the entire NTR Police Commissionerate, on Saturday. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that mobile phones can be used as weapons for protection, and urged women to use 'Sakthi App' for their safety. 'There is no scope for crimes in Andhra Pradesh. Government is taking all steps to prevent crime. Drones and CCTV are being used to check anti-social elements, particularly in VIP zones,' Ms. Anitha said. Vijayawada MP Kesineni Shivanath praised the NTR Commissionerate Police for launching Suraksha 360 which will help to check crimes in Amaravati region. The MP also had words of appreciation for MLA Sujana Chowdary, who installed ₹30 lakh worth of CCTVs in Vijayawada West Constituency. District Collector G. Lakshmisha said that NTR district will become a role model for taking initiatives that help create a peaceful atmosphere. He thanked the donors who helped to install CCTVs in the district. Mr. Sujana Chowdary, meanwhile, thanked the police for solving traffic problems at all major junctions by using 'Astram App'. He directed the police to take measures to provide safety at all schools and colleges. Police Commissioner S.V. Rajasekhar Babu said that CCTVs helped the police to detect crimes. Police have planned to install four surveillance cameras in each village. Steps are in place to enhance security at all temples, churches and masjids in the Commissionerate, he said. Later, the Home Minister, MP, MLA and other officers felicitated the donors of the CCTVs. MLAs Bonda Umamaheswara Rao, Gadde Rammohan Rao, Sriram Rajagopal and Kotikalapudi Srinivas and other police officers participated.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Indrakeeladri temple development gains momentum; master plan, land protection in focus
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. 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.
