Endowments Minister Gade Venkata Reddy, on Friday, revealed that the state government was mulling over a proposal to grant autonomy to the Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Devasthanam at Srisailam.
Venkata Reddy revealed that the autonomous status might be on the lines of that of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
The Endowments Minister told media persons after the Chief Minister's review meeting with officials of Panchayat Raj, Irrigation, Endowments Department and the Srisailam Devasthanam Trust Board members, that the government will develop the Srisailam temple and surrounding areas by improving facilities like drinking water supply, roads and sanitation.
He revealed that a 'master plan' has been formulated for this, and that work on the development activities would be completed in 2 to 3 years.
Venkata Reddy stated that the Srisailam Devasthanams would bear an estimated cost of Rs. 50 crore for taking up the works.
He also said that the government has permitted 17 caste associations to set up community-based choultries in Srisailam. He said that the decision on requests by more Satrams would be made soon.
The minister stated that the Prime Minister's
tour to Tirupati on September 1 was finalised.
He also said that the foundation stone for the rebuilding of the collapsed Rajagopuram at the Srikalahasteeswar temple in Srikalahasti would be laid by Chief Minister K Rosaiah, on August 29, at 7am.
Courtesy: INN