The Irrigation Department is mulling the expansion of the existing bathing ghats and construction of new ones along the Godavari river at Bhadrachalam and elsewhere in the district, in view of the next year’s Godavari Pushkaralu.
The department has already sent proposals worth Rs. 28 crore to the government for this purpose, sources said.
The proposals were conceptualised as per a comprehensive plan to enable pilgrims, numbering thousands, take holy dip in the Godavari in a hassle-free-manner during the festival that’s held once in 12 years. The plan envisages provision of a total of 13 bathing ghat facilities at eight places in Bhadrachalam constituency and five locations in Pinapaka constituency.
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It contains specific proposals for strengthening of steps leading to the banks of the river, constructing retaining walls and improving amenities at the bathing ghats. The proposals also envisaged improvement of the existing bathing ghat at Bhadrachalam and construction of two more ghats along the river banks around the temple town.
The Irrigation Department has proposed to build one bathing ghat in Wajedu mandal and two ghats in Dummugudem mandal. Incidentally, the Godavari river enters into the district at Lotapitagandi in Wajedu mandal.