Five ancient temples and two forts in Krishna and Guntur districts will be refurbished shortly by the Department of Archaeology and Museums as the State government has granted funds for taking up repair works.
Restoration of Sri Lakshmi Narayana Swamy temple at Avanigada in Krishna district and Sri Gangaparvathi Sametha Someswara Temple at Chilakaluripet, Chowdeswara Swamy Temple at Chowdayapalem, Chenna Mallikharjuna Swamy Temple at Gamalapadu village and Sakaleswara Swamy Temple at Nanduru village, all in Guntur district, will be completed in six months.
Kondapalli Fort near Ibrahimpatnam in Krishna district and Tangeda Fort in Guntur will also be renovated, said officials, adding that these works would be taken up at a cost of Rs.1.97 crore granted under the 13th Finance Commission. The department has plans to repair floorings in all the temples, and white wash the walls to give an aesthetic look.
Focus would be on providing basic amenities like drinking water and toilet facilities for the tourists. “We are taking up renovation works according to the necessity at the temples,” says Assistant Director of Victoria Jubilee Museum K. Chitti Babu. Construction of pathways and roof-ceiling to prevent leakages along with reconstruction of damaged walls would be taken up at the forts.
Sign boards mentioning the details of historical importance of temples and forts would be put up to facilitate tourists know more information about these ancient places. Compound walls would be constructed to prevent encroachments. “Work orders were given after inviting tenders. We may complete the works in six months,” says Mr. Chitti Babu. The department has sanctioned these funds as part of a series of measures taken to preserve the ancient places in Krishna and Guntur districts. “We are hopeful that the influx of tourists to these places may increase after completion of renovation works,” he adds.
