VIJAYAWADA: The Endowments Department has decided to expand online services in temples and implement eco-friendly measures, including a ‘Zero Waste Disposal Policy’, across major shrines in the State to improve devotee facilities and promote sustainable temple management.
At a high-level review meeting held with Executive Officers of 22 major temples at the Endowments Department headquarters in Gollapudi on Tuesday, Endowments Department Ex-Officio Secretary Dr M Hari Jawahar Lal directed officials to ensure there was no compromise in providing facilities to devotees. He instructed temple authorities to strengthen online services for faster and easier access to darshan, sevas and other facilities, besides introducing new Arjitha Sevas in tune with changing times.
Reviewing temple administration and development activities, Endowments Department Commissioner K Ramachandra Mohan said temples should become institutions that support society rather than burden it. As part of the Swachh Andhra initiative, he instructed officials to strictly implement a ‘Zero Waste Disposal Policy’ and avoid sending temple waste to dumping yards.
The Commissioner said successful practices implemented in one temple should be replicated in all temples in line with the Chief Minister’s directions on adopting a common Success Mantra across the State.
He directed officials to make rooftop rainwater harvesting systems mandatory in all temples to improve groundwater conservation. Sewage and sullage water treatment plants should also be established for recycling and reuse of water within temple premises, he said.
As part of green energy initiatives, the Commissioner instructed temple authorities to set up gobar gas and biogas plants for converting waste into fuel and complete installation of piped gas systems in all temples within a month. He also stressed the need to promote solar energy and maximise the use of renewable power sources in temples.
Ramachandra Mohan said volunteers rendering free services in temples should be utilised as ambassadors for spiritual and social outreach activities, including promotion of online services and spiritual programmes through social media platforms.
