Minister for Forests, Environment, and Endowments Konda Surekha has announced the construction of a 64-meter network arch bridge — the second longest of its kind in India — at Yadagirigutta over the next three months.
The bridge, being made from Macalloy steel, will provide much-needed relief to devotees traveling to the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy shrine at Yadagirigutta, offering a direct entry flyover to the temple complex. Surekha stated that the bridge, set to be completed within three months, would be a major asset among Telangana’s infrastructure. She directed the officials concerned to ensure that developmental works undertaken in and around prominent temples do not harm their sanctity or disrupt their historical significance.
The Minister held a review with the officials of the Endowments Department at the Secretariat on Wednesday, discussing various temple projects, including the progress of the Keesaragutta Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple, Yadadri Temple under the YTDA, and the master plan for the development of Bhadrachalam Temple.
During the meeting, Surekha emphasized the importance of coordination among departments like Forest, Endowments, Tourism, Cultural, R&B, and Panchayat Raj for the smooth execution of temple development projects. She highlighted that works at the Yadagirigutta temple, including the gold-plating of the Vimana Gopuram, will begin after the Monitoring Committee, led by the Chief Secretary, submits its report. The Minister also announced the construction of a Vedic School in Rayagiri, on a 20-acre site, with an estimated outlay of Rs. 43 crore, under the supervision of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. Additionally, the newly built Annadanam Satrams (dining halls) will soon be opened for devotees.
Surekha instructed officials to develop the Keesaragutta Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple in line with the Ramappa Temple model, as suggested by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. The development would include the Natya mandapam and surrounding areas without disturbing the nearby Lakshmi Narasimha, Anjaneya, and Nagadevata temples. She also suggested establishing a digital museum detailing the places visited by Lord Rama in south India. The master plan, once finalized, will be submitted immediately to the Chief Minister for approval.
Regarding the development of Bhadrachalam Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy Temple, Surekha was briefed on flood control measures by Conservation Architect Surya Narayana Murthy. She directed officials to ensure that development projects would take into account the regular influx of devotees during the Godavari Pushkaralu and Mahapushkaralu. She emphasized creating green spaces on temple lands to cultivate sacred plants like tulsi and flowers for rituals, reducing reliance on external suppliers.
Surekha announced that the Endowments Department, in collaboration with the Tourism Department, would soon introduce VIP darshan facilities for devotees across three circuits. The first circuit will include Vemulawada, Kondagattu, Dharmapuri, and Komuravelli temples; the second , Manyamkonda, Sri Rangapur, Jogulamba, and Ammapalli temples; and the third circuit, Dichpalli, Basara, and Kamarreddy temples. VIP devotees will receive mementos and shawls as part of their visit, with guides, photographers, and videographers available to assist them.