Multi-level parking planned for hilltop temples, says AP Endowments Commissioner

Endowments Commissioner K. Ramachandra Mohan said that measures are being taken to provide better amenities to pilgrims at all major temples across the State.

The Commissioner visited the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy at Simhachalam on Tuesday. Mr. Ramachandra Mohan along with the engineering officials inspected amenities at the temple, particularly, the works undertaken under the PRASAD (Pilgrim Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) scheme, the Ganga dhara, trekking path and bus terminus area, .

Speaking to the media, Mr. Ramachandra Mohan said that Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that had been formulated is being implemented at major temples across the State to ensure 100% satisfaction for pilgrims. Orders were issued to the Regional Joint Commissioners (RJC s) and Deputy Commissioners to implement the SOPs without any deviation.

He announced that plans are in process to provide multi-level parking at hilltop locations including the Simhachalam temple and at the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy temple in Vijayawada to ease parking woes. He directed temple officials to ensure to keep to the quality of ‘laddu’ and other ‘prasadams’ made in the temple kitchens. He said: “An official of the rank of superintendent or assistant commissioner of the temple should taste the ‘prasadam’ every day, before distributing it to devotees.” Noting that around 90% of devotees who visit temples for darshan were common people, he said that measures should be taken to ensure that they do not face any inconvenience. Steps are also being being taken to allot specific slots for protocol VIPs.

The Commissioner also directed the officials to ensure proper management of queue lines, sanitation and supply of safe drinking water. He said that three different designs have been made for construction of toilets, based on the availability of space. He advised the officials to increase the enrolment of volunteers with the support of NGOs in a bid to provide better services to devotees.