TIRUPATI: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is now conducting an analysis of the recent untoward incident at Vontimitta temple in which four people were killed and 60 injured. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu already reviewed the situation with the district administration and DIG of Anantapur in Kadapa, two days ago.
The temporary sheds erected for the annual Sitarama Kalyanam at the temple collapsed on Friday due to strong winds and hailstorm that lashed the region unexpectedly.
In the last three years, Rs 11.7 crore has been spent in erecting makeshift Kalyana Vedika for the celestial event, the same amount could have been spent on construction of permanent structures at Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple within the same time span for the State festival.
The Chief Minster instructed the TTD to construct permanent Kalyana Mandapam and make other required facilities at the temple for the celestial wedding.
The Chief Minister and other heads of the State held review meetings on Vontimitta temple development for the annual festival earlier. Several decisions were taken at the meetings.
Vontimitta Kodandarama Swamy temple is the State pride after bifurcation. Based on people’s sentiment, the State government announced ‘Vontimitta is our Bhadrachalaam, Vontimitta Sitarama Kalyanam is a State’s festival’.
An exclusive GO was also issued in this regard. Based on it, the TTD allocated Rs 100 crore for various constructions at the temple, which mainly include permanent Kalyana Vedika and other facilities.
In the last three years, Rs 5.2 crore was spent in 2016 for makeshift arrangements, Rs 3 crore in 2017 and Rs 3.5 crore in 2018.
TTD Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal took the initiative and discussed various constructions at Vontimitta with Central officials and requested permissions from the Archaeology Department. “The progress of the Vontimitta project got delayed due to permissions from the Archaeological Department. Once permission is granted, we will complete it immediately as designs and proposals are ready,” the TTD officials said.
The TTD EO arranged several meetings between the TTD JEO, Chief Engineer and other engineering fraternity and Archeological officials in Delhi. Based on the meetings, several decade old issues were sorted out at Srinivasa Mangapauram and temple renovations works were completed.
The Engineering Department is not focusing on Vontimitta temple, because every year huge funds are released for temple Brahmotsavams. For three years, just for conducting the annual event, the TTD has spent nearly `13 to `15 crore, for this amount a permanent construction could have been completed within three years duration.
Funds
for State Festival
TTD allocated H100 crore
for various constructions, including permanent Kalyana Vedika and other facilities
A5.2 cr
spent in 2016 for makeshift arrangements
A3 cr
in 2017
A3.5 cr
in 2018