Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam authorities have not geared up for the fast approaching Dasara festivities. The officials are yet to prepare the estimates for engineering and other works though it was announced that tenders would be finalised by August 25.
Lack of clarity and guidance from the higher ups has led to the delay in the preparation of the estimates, which were supposed to be completed by August 20. Every year, the temple invites tenders for as many as 22 works, including erection of shamiyanas, water supply, prasadam counter etc. The tenders for these works would be finalised here, while the Endowments Commissioner would accord permission for lighting of the ghat road and temple etc.
The Endowments Commissioner, this year, has already accorded permission for the lighting works. Despite, there is a delay in other works, which play a pivotal role in the smooth passage of the Dasara festival. Formation of queue lines, Annadanam, water supply, ghat road electrification, cloak rooms, transportation to VVIPs, media, Chappal stand, toilets, temporary dressing rooms, supply of food packets to revenue and police personnel on duty, boat (hamsavahanam) have to be prepared, officials say.
The temple authorities are planning to put prasadam counters at Mallikarjuna mahamandapam form existing Kanaka Durga nagar. The officials observed that it was becoming a Herculean Task to manage the prasadam counters from Kanaka Durga nagar in view of practical difficulties. The shifting of prasadam from kitchen located atop of Indrakeeladri to Kanaka Durga nagar down hill during festivities was a biggest problem. It was hampering the smooth supply of the prasadam.
So, a temporary kitchen would be started at first floor of Mahamandampam, while stores would be opened at second floor. The prasadam counters would be opened on ground floor, officials say. The existing prasadam counters place at Kanaka Durga Nagar would be used for VVIP car and bus parking. Hitherto, the vehicles were parking at model guest house.
