- The Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu instructed officials to plan the upcoming Godavari Pushkarams using Kumbh Mela as their operational standard. The event will be held from June 26 to July 7 next year. He asked all departments to begin their work now because they have only 18 months until the deadline.
- The Chief Minister issued orders to establish extensive preparations. The Chief Minister stated that nearly 10 crore devotees from India and abroad are expected to attend the Pushkarams. He instructed officials to develop facilities which would handle the anticipated massive attendance. The first high-level review meeting on the arrangements took place at the Secretariat on Friday.
Focus on District-Level Planning
- The Godavari River flows for 212 kilometers across six districts: Polavaram, Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Kakinada. The CM said extensive arrangements are needed across all these areas. He interacted with the District Collectors and Superintendents of Police of these districts through a video conference.
- Development of Ghats
- The CM directed officials to prepare plans for developing 373 bathing ghats along the river. The project includes 234 existing ghats and 139 new ones which will extend across 9,918 meters. He instructed that a model ghat be built in Rajamahendravaram. All other ghats should follow the same design.
Accommodation and Infrastructure Plans
The Chief Minister said this would be his third time conducting the Godavari Pushkarams as CM. He advised officials to begin discussions with the Central Government to seek funds. To avoid accommodation issues, he suggested setting up tent cities and promoting homestays on a large scale. He also stressed that the Polavaram project should be completed before the Pushkarams. The CM called for cooperation from local residents to provide hospitality to pilgrims arriving from distant regions.
