In order to protect its prime lands from encroachments, Sri Varahalakshmi Nrusimha Swami Devasthanam of Simhachalam has decided to construct over 42-km long boundary wall around the hill, effectively covering 40 per cent of the city.
The commissioner of endowments has sanctioned the construction of the wall, following which, the Devasthanam has prepared an action plan enclosing all its lands around the temple hills, has decided to undertake the same in a phased manner.
Devasthanam executive officer K Ramachandra Mohan confirmed the sanction. “The Devasthanam has got approvals to construct the boundary wall. During the first phase we are going to construct a 13-km long wall from Darapalem to Madhavadhara via Simhachalam, Gopalapatnam, and in the area behind NSTL. After the completion of the paper works, we’ll invite tenders shorlty,” he said. Though it is a massive effort, the Devasthanam has decided to construct a boundary wall across the hills, the EO maintained.
The Simhachalam Devasthanam claims authority of huge extent of lands spread all around the temple hills. The hillocks right from Adavivaram Ghat Road entry gate downhill, Adavivaram, Darapalem, Central Prison, Hanumanthawaka Junction, Simhadripuram, Seethammadhara (behind the Port Stadium), Kailasapuram, Madhavadhara, the area behind NSTL, Gopalapatnam, Bunk Junction, Prahldapuram to Simhachalam belong to the Devasthanam. However, during the past five decades, huge extent of the lands at the foot of the hills have been developed into residential colonies.
Nevertheless, there still are huge extents of lands, which are not guarded by the Simhachalam Devasthanam. Taking advantage of the unguarded property, land grabbers have been having a field day.