In anticipation of the Simhachalam Devasthanam’s annual Giri Pradakshina festival scheduled for Saturday, District Collector Harendhira Prasad has issued a series of directives to ensure the event’s success. On Friday, GVMC Additional Commissioner KS Viswanathan and Mayor Hari Venkata Kumari convened with the Collector to meticulously review the preparations for the event, which is expected to draw lakhs of devotees.
During the inspection, officials evaluated the arrangements along the queues on Simhagiri, the ramps set up for the temple circumambulation, and the coconut tapping areas. The primary focus was on ensuring that all essential services, including electricity, drinking water, toilets, and sanitation, were in place.
Collector Harendhira Prasad, who was shown the Niladri Gumma where devotees receive darshan, noted the leaking shed at the north gate of the temple due to rain. He promptly directed engineers to carry out necessary repairs to avoid inconvenience to devotees. He emphasised the need to maintain mud-free queue lines and suggested installing signboards for better navigation. The Collector also highlighted the importance of a robust public address system to provide regular updates to the devotees.
In a bid to streamline the event further, the Collector ordered the establishment of a command control room. This facility will enable officials to receive and relay information efficiently, backed by a special phone number for quick communication. Given the current rainy conditions, he reviewed the staircase situation and advised devotees to exercise caution in case of heavy rain and potential flooding from the top of the stairs.
Despite the weather challenges, he insisted that all preparations must be upheld and expedited, especially at the base of the hill. Observing scattered shamianas in some areas, the Collector instructed repairs to ensure devotees remain dry.
Reiterating the necessity of flawless arrangements for the circumambulation of Simhagiri, the Collector reviewed the detailed plan prepared by the Devasthanam. He urged officials to act responsibly and ensure the programme’s success without any hitches. Temple EO S. Srinivasamurthy, and other officials were present during the visit, reinforcing the collective effort to provide a seamless experience for the devotees attending the revered event.
