Srisailam temple boundaries to be finalised by October

VIJAYAWADA: Deputy Chief Minister Kottu Satyanarayana, who holds the endowments portfolio, announced that boundaries of Sri Bhramarambhika Mallikarjuna Swamy in Srisailam will be finalised before the end of October.

He maintained that once the boundaries are finalised, state government can prepare a master plan for development of the Srisailam Temple.

The Deputy CM said in 1879 during British rule, about seven square miles or 4,130 acres of land had been allotted to Srisailam Devasthanam. In 1967, the then AP government allotted another 145 acres of land. However, as these lands fall within the Nagarjuna Sagar-Sri Sailam Tiger Reserve, finalisation of boundaries over which development will take place is necessary.

Satyanarayana disclosed that a review meeting has been held in his office with officials of concerned departments in the presence of forest minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy and revenue minister Dharmana Prasada Rao. The meeting had been comprehensive with regard to the devasthanam land. They had taken certain decisions too.

The Deputy Chief Minister said ecological and religious tourism will be developed around the areas of the temple without affecting the reserve forest.

On minister B. Mutyala Naidu having been stopped at the gates of Durga temple in Vijayawada, Satyanarayana said he had spoken to Mutyala Naidu in this regard. He clarified that the minister had actually been waiting at the gate for someone when Durga temple executive officer arrived there and took him inside.

The Deputy CM maintained that what really happened had been twisted out of context. He clarified that full protocol is being strictly maintained in case of VIPs and VVIPs visiting the Durga temple.