Expedite Pushkaram works, Minister tells officials

Hyderabad: Endowments Minister A Indrakaran Reddy on Thursday directed the officials to expedite works related to the ensuing Godavari Pushkarams.During a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat on the forthcoming Godavari Pushkarams, the Minister instructed the officials to ensure quality standards were maintained while executing the works related to roads leading to Pushkar Ghats, temples and sacred rivers.

He asked the officials to complete the construction of Pushkar Ghats at the selected places and provide all facilities at temples and Pushkar Ghats for the devotees. “There should not be any shortage of drinking water. Steps should be taken to avoid power cuts. Facilities like new bathing ghats and repairs to old ghats should be taken up,” he said.It may be recalled here that the State government had sent proposals of Rs 920 crore to the Centre and sought Rs 750 crore towards grant.

The State government would spend at least Rs 500 crore and could even spend more for the festivities. The Minister sought details of the works completed so far and those nearing completion. “The government is committed to conduct the festivities on a grand scale in the wake of statehood. Hence steps should be taken to provide all facilities to the pilgrims,” he said.