RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM: A Comprehensive plan has been drawn up to expand modernise the riverfront areas along the Godavari with a focus on pilgrim convenience, safety, and urban and infrastructure.
After prolonged deliberations, the administration has finally completed its exercise on works to be taken up in view of the Godavari Pushakarams scheduled in 2027.
The authorities have decided to widen major stretches of the Godavari river bank and modernise ghats and bathing points identified as suitable for devotees.
Rajamahendravaram Municipal Commissioner Rahul Meena reviewed and sent a proposal to the State government.
Rajamahendravaram municipal corporation and East Godavari district administration proposed Rs 1854.24 crore for the Rajamahendravaram, Rs 450 crore for Kovvur and Rs 105 crore for Nidadavolu municipality for taking up various Pushakaram works in the coming year.
In the first phase, advance works will be initiated by treating Rajamahendravaram, Kovvur, and Nidadavolu municipalities areas significantly influenced by the Pushakarams as benchmarks.
Chief Minister Chandrababu is expected to review the Godavrarii Pushakarams by the end of this month.
To address drinking water issues during the mega religious event, Rs 121.91 crore has been allocated to strengthen and upgradde the underground pipeline network.
For the modernisation of ghats, Rs 89.88 crore has been earmarked, with 17 bathing ghats already identified in the city.
Advanced Artificial Intelligence-based technology will be deployed, including a modern surveillance camera system to enhance safety and crowd monitoring.
A major allocation Rs 212.20 crore has been made for road modernisation to regulate traffic and ensure smooth movement of devotees.
Canal widening works are also planned as part of this initiative. To tackle urban flooding, projects worth Rs 175.35 crore will be taken up across the city.
In Nidadavolu municipality, proposals amounting to Rs 105.10 crore have been prepared including Rs 2.60crore speciafically for the construction of a pushakar park.
In Kovvur Rs 9.15 crore has been allocated for ghat expansion, while more than Rs 15 crore will be spent on improving accommodation and related facilities.