Andhra Pradesh Government sanctions Rs 59.73 cr for Pushkar arrangements

Kakinada:The State government has accorded administrative approval for Rs 59.73 crore to construct barricades and sheds at Godavari bathing ghats and temples in the erstwhile East Godavari district ahead of the Godavari Pushkarams scheduled for next year.

The funds have been sanctioned under the Roads and Buildings Department’s Kakinada Circle. The department has been entrusted with the responsibility of erecting MS frame and wooden barricades to regulate the movement of pilgrims and ensure their safety during the 12-day religious event.

The government has also directed officials to preserve the materials after the Pushkarams and reuse them during the Krishna Pushkarams scheduled for 2028, with a view to reducing expenditure on future arrangements. Meanwhile, the government has sanctioned Rs 39.90 crore for the development of 29 new bathing ghats across the erstwhile East and West Godavari districts. Earlier, tenders had been invited for works relating to 238 ghats at an estimated cost of Rs 210 crore. In Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district, a new ghat will be developed at Vadapalli by incorporating the right bank of Gautami branch of Godavari.

The government has allocated Rs 4.68 crore for the project. New ghats will also be constructed at several other locations in the district. An amount of Rs 40 lakh has been sanctioned for Kulla village, while Rs 80 lakh each has been allocated for Pedapatnam and Thotlapalem. Teki Shettipalem will get a new ghat at a cost of Rs 79.90 lakh, while Rs 90 lakh has been sanctioned for Kapileswarapuram.

The proposed works are aimed at improving facilities for pilgrims expected to visit the Godavari during the Pushkarams. The arrangements include infrastructure for managing large crowds at bathing points and ensuring the smooth movement of devotees.

A total of Rs 4.90 crore has been allocated for constructing barricades along a stretch of 65.27 kilometres. The barricades are expected to help regulate pilgrim movement and prevent overcrowding at important locations during the festival.

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The Hans India