VIJAYAWADA: Fool-proof arrangements are being made by the State government in providing hassle-free bath for the pilgrims at bathing ghats during the 12-day Krishna Pushkarams, said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu here on Thursday.
The chief minister, who launched the Control and Command Centre (CCC) at Durga Ghat, stated that the centre would enable real-time monitoring of all the Pushkar Ghats round-the-clock in Krishna, Guntur and Kurnool districts. He said that the State government had launched mobile apps and website to provide all information about the location of ghats, local accommodation and arrangements for transport. He directed the Police and APSRTC officials to avoid traffic congestion and provide transportation for the pilgrims at regular intervals. He also warned that stern action will be taken against the traders who sell the essential commodities at exorbitant prices than maximum retail price.
Meanwhile, he inaugurated the newly renovated Tummalapalli Kalakshetram, where the cultural events are scheduled to be showcased by the renowned artists during the 12-day river festival. “Situated in the heart of city, Tumallapalli Kalakshetram is a convenient place for people to reach and attend the cultural events during ‘Krishna Pushkarams’, the chief minister said. The development works were taken at a cost of Rs 8 crore. Seminars and discussions will be conducted at the venue on 12 different topics.
Later, the chief minister visited the replica of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) erected at Swaraj Maidan and had darshan of Lord Venkateswara. He interacted with the TTD officials and directed them to make elaborate arrangements in providing Annadanam for the pilgrims during the mega event. He launched the 36 publications of TTD on the occasion.