Master plan for Srisailam temple development approved

Tenders to be invited for Phase I of Rs.643-cr. plan soon

The government has approved the Rs.643-crore master plan for systematic development of Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple at Srisailam in a phased manner and provide amenities to meet the pilgrim rush for the next 30 years.

Disclosing this to media persons here on Tuesday, Endowment Minister C. Ramachandraiah said that the consultants appointed for the Srisailam temple had submitted the detailed project report.

Once the administrative sanction was secured, tenders would be invited for selecting the agency for the first phase.

The Endowment Department had resolved to develop major temples in the State with all amenities for the convenience of pilgrims and create conducive environment for the devotees.

Srisailam temple and Saraswathi temple at Basara would be the first two temples to be developed, he said.

In the first phase of Srisailam temple development to cost Rs.85 crore, water would be pumped from Krishna river and treated for supply to Srisailam temple besides providing underground drainage and treatment, storm water drainage system and solid waste management.

A high security zone within the temple complex and a commercial complex for locating shops away from the security zone would also be part of phase I.

The second phase would comprise construction of Queue complex, dormitories, choultries, public utilities, open theatre for cultural activities etc., with Rs.260 crore and the Rs.298 crore third phase would comprise suspension bridge for Sunnipenta and widening of approach road to Srisailam. Srisailam temple generated an annual income of Rs.50 crore.

Basara temple

The Basara temple, famous for ‘Aksharabhyasam’ (ceremony for initiating children’s education) with an annual income of Rs.5 crore would be developed in two phases with Rs.30.7 crore. The temple itself would be given a facelift.

The master plan for Basara temple would provide a large hall for seating 400 children at a time and their parents, new Pushkarini as per Vastu norms, dormitories, etc., Mr. Ramachandraiah said.