Six new bathing ghats will be constructed, two each in Bhadrachalam town and Parnashala, the famous pilgrim centre in Dummugudem mandal besides one each in Manuguru and Venkatapuram mandals for the forthcoming Godavari Pushkaralu slated for July this year.
The State government has reportedly accorded administrative sanction for the six works worth Rs. 10 crore recently. Two bathing ghats each will come up alongside the existing ghats on the banks of the Godavari in Bhadrachalam and Parnashala respectively. The remaining two new bathing ghats will be constructed one each at Chinaraigudem in Manuguru mandal and Ramchandrapuram in Venkatapuram mandal.
Although there have been demands from residents of various riverside villages in Aswapuram and Wajedu mandals for sanction of pushkar ghats, the government has approved six new ghats as per the proposals sent by the Irrigation Department. Work on the newly sanctioned bathing ghats is expected to begin later this month in view of the code in force for the ensuing Legislative council elections. According to official sources, the State government has also given its nod for works related to Godavari Pushkaralu-2015 worth Rs 1.70 crore to be taken up by the Endowments Department.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sources said that funds to the tune of Rs. 1 crore will be spent for Pushkaram works at the historical Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy temple in Bhadrachalam. The Endowments Department has drawn up plans to utilise the funds for beautification of few mandapams on the premises of the temple complex, erection of water-proof temporary sheds and provision of other amenities to the devotees during the 12-day Pushkaralu fete in July, sources said.
The tendering process for construction of the six new bathing ghats will be initiated after the cessation of the code of conduct which is in force for the coming council polls, said K Ramulu, Executive Engineer, Medium Irrigation Project Division, Satyanarayanapuram, Khammam district.