Concern over lack of facilities as Kalpavalli fair draws near

As the Kalpavalli Shambara Polamamba fair approaches, drawing devotees from Uttarandhra districts, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and beyond, concerns arise regarding the perennial lack of minimum facilities and development works. The festivities, commencing after the Sankranti festival, traditionally attract lakhs of devotees, yet the challenges persist. The Polamamba fair spans ten weeks, a unique duration compared to other fairs in the state. However, each year, authorities fall short in providing essential facilities to devotees. Temporary arrangements take precedence, and long-term planning is deferred until after the fair concludes, creating a recurring issue with no permanent solution in sight.
The temple, located on a narrow road in Shambara village, poses logistical challenges due to its proximity to residential houses and the limited space. Devotees, numbering in the lakhs, often find themselves in crowded conditions, leading to stampedes and conflicts. Past proposals to expand the temple by acquiring adjacent houses remain unrealized, reflecting the indifference and neglect of officials. Despite significant annual expenditures on temporary arrangements such as kitchen lines, shamianas, and electrical decorations, devotees advocate for permanent solutions. They argue that redirecting these funds towards developmental initiatives for the temple could yield more substantial and lasting benefits.
Additionally, devotees’ express concerns about the deteriorating conditions of the roads leading to Shambara village, specifically Makkuva – Chinabhogili and Makkuva – Saluru routes. Potholes and the delayed payment of bills to contractors have led to accidents and heightened worries about road safety during the fair. Over two lakh devotees are expected to attend the Polamamba Ammavari Sirimanotsavam in Shambara village, yet the lack of sheds for devotees to rest becomes a pressing issue. Basic amenities like drinking water, accommodation, and bathrooms pose significant challenges, with promised developments still pending.
Local officials ensure that the issues are being communicated to higher authorities, and efforts will be made to address the concerns before the fair kicks off. VV Suryanarayana, Executive Officer, pledges to collaborate with all stakeholders to develop the Polamamba temple and ensure a seamless experience for devotees. The call for prompt action and tangible improvements echoes among devotees, who eagerly await a more comfortable and secure Polamamba fair this year.