Jala Harathi programme at Pavitra Sangamam ghat to be resumed by Dasara festivities: Ramnarayana Reddy
VIJAYAWADA: Endowments minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy said the state government would resume the Jala Harathi programme, offered to the Krishna and Godavari river waters, by Dasara at the Pavitra Sangamam ferry ghat in Ibrahimpatnam.
Reddy said the government has set a 30 to 45 days target to complete the restoration works at the Pavitra Sangamam ghat.
On the instructions of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to resume the Jala Harathi programme at the Pavitra Sangamam ghat, Reddy, along with ministers Ponguru Narayana (municipal administration and urban development) and Kolusu Parthasarathy (housing), visited the ferry ghat in Ibrahimpatnam to get a first-hand report on the prevailing conditions at the ghat area.
The ministers reviewed the situation with Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam (SDMSD) temple body and officials from the irrigation, CRDA, R&B, police and electricity departments regarding the development of Pavitra Sangamam ghat.
Speaking on the occasion, Reddy said the government would construct a new temple on 50 acres and develop the island lands on the other side of the river into a tourist spot.
“It has been decided to launch boating and speed boat rides from Prakasam Barrage to Pavitra Sangamam ghat, and the ghat will be developed to cater to tourists and devotees,” Reddy said.
It is estimated that Rs 11 lakh will be needed per month to perfor Jala Harathi and donations will be accepted from the devotees to fund the same. Subsequently, the government will finalise the construction of the temple after consulting with the Durga temple Vedic committee members.
Reddy alleged that the previous YSRC government had stopped the Jala Harathi programme, which was attended by thousands of devotees, in an attempt to reduce the significance of the Pavitra Sangamam region.
Officials explained to the ministers that Rs 88 lakh would be required to complete the restoration works at the Pavitra Sangamam ghat for resuming the Jala Harathi programme.
The ministers have directed the officials repair the road from the national highway to the ferry ghat, ensure proper illumination of the road and execute the works without compromising on quality.
