Vijayawada: Houses at foothill of Durga temple to be demolished

Vijayawada: The Kanaka Durga temple authorities have been intensifying their efforts to remove about 40 houses at the foothill of Indrakeeladri as part of implementing its master plan.

The authorities already demolished all the constructions atop the hill, including administrative offices, executive officers office, shopping complexes, Annadanam complex and others.

The file regarding paying compensation to the property owners of the 40 houses with district collector A. Babu right now for consideration. The temple authorities discussed the issue with the district collector just two days back. Still, the authorities did not come to a conclusion over the compensation that has to be paid to the property owners.

Meanwhile, endowments department principal secretary J.V.S. Prasad observed that as per Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's direction’, they have been implementing the master plan. He explained that the remaining buildings on the hill would be demolished soon.

He said that they targeted to complete all the works before the commencement of Krishna Pushkaralu. He explained that they have negotiated with the irrigation department regarding their land at the foothill and it would be taken soon. He said that the land could be used for Prasadam-making unit.

He accepted that there were some difficulties in executing the master plan. But, he hoped that all the hurdles could be overcome within the stipulated time.