Master Plan for Medaram Development, Says Minister Ponguleti

State Revenue and Housing Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy stated that the world-renowned Medaram Sammakka–Saralamma Maha Jatara was conducted successfully through coordinated and determined efforts by all stakeholders. He toured Medaram in Tadvai mandal of Mulugu district along with fellow minister Seethakka.

On the occasion, he offered prayers at the sacred sites of Sammakka, Saralamma, Pagididda Raju and Govindaraju. He later reviewed the progress of permanent development works worth ₹251 crore being undertaken in the area. The minister inspected works at Jampanna Vagu, Haritha area, Oorattam, Chilakala Gutta and the RTC Junction, and sought details from officials on projects nearing completion. He said nearly 95 per cent of the works had been completed ahead of the Jatara and directed officials to expedite the remaining five per cent. A review meeting was subsequently held to discuss the future course of action.

It is estimated that around 1.55 crore devotees attended the Medaram Jatara held in January. The minister said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, ministers, public representatives, the district administration and the media worked in coordination to ensure the event was conducted in a planned manner without inconvenience to devotees. He expressed gratitude, on behalf of the state government, to all those who contributed to the successful conduct of the Jatara.

He said that, instead of focusing only on the biennial nature of the festival, stone structures had been constructed to last for 200 years . With Medaram now developed, heavy footfall is expected even on weekends and public holidays, he noted, adding that a comprehensive master plan would be implemented keeping future needs in view.

The minister said the Cabinet had recently decided to bring Godavari waters to Jampanna Vagu to ensure water flow throughout the year. In the first phase, construction of five check dams would begin soon, and two irrigation tanks would be beautified.

To ease traffic congestion, 29 acres of land have been acquired, and additional land would be procured if required, he said. He also announced that development works for temples along the Godavari river basin from Basara to Bhadrachalam would commence shortly. The government is taking steps to conduct the Godavari Pushkaralu on a grand scale, he added.