I&PR Minister reviews steps for Mahasivaratri festivities at Balive

Minister for Housing and Information & Public Relations, Kolusu Parthasarathi, has assured that elaborate arrangements are being made for the Mahashivaratri celebrations at Balive Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple to ensure a hassle-free experience for devotees.
During his visit to the temple on Saturday, the minister reviewed the festival preparations with local elders and temple officials. He emphasised that special measures are being taken to facilitate devotees visiting the temple and taking a holy dip in the Tammileru River while performing ancestral rites.
To improve bathing facilities, additional shower points have been set up this year, compared to only two last year. New borewells are being installed by the Panchayat and Endowments Departments to ensure an adequate water supply. The Vijay Dairy Chairman has agreed to provide around 1.5 lakh water packets for devotees.
Enhanced sanitation measures have been implemented, with personnel from Eluru Municipal Corporation being deployed. Strict security arrangements, including barricading and CCTV surveillance linked to a control room, are in place to prevent untoward incidents.
For women devotees, the number of temporary tents for changing clothes has been increased from 10 to 50, with women police officers overseeing their safety.
Parking facilities have also been expanded to accommodate more vehicles. Several voluntary organisations have come forward to provide drinking water and food to devotees, and they will receive the necessary support.
Following the review meeting, the minister inspected the bathing ghats, medical outposts, and surrounding areas. Temple EO and local elders participated in the discussions.