Tue Apr 29 15:26:21 UTC 2025: ## Visakhapatnam Prepares for Simhachalam Temple Festival
**VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIA (April 29, 2025)** – Visakhapatnam is gearing up for the annual Chandanotsavam festival at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Simhachalam, expected to draw 200,000 devotees on April 30th. Authorities are focusing on ensuring adequate sanitation, water supply, and toilet facilities for the large crowds.
Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Mayor Peela Srinivasa Rao announced the deployment of 1,350 sanitation workers in six shifts from April 29th to May 1st, covering key areas of the temple complex. Fogging and spraying operations will also be undertaken. To address the summer heat, 193 drinking water kiosks have been set up, providing over 56,000 half-liter bottles and 5,600 20-liter cans of water. Six additional water tankers will be on standby. A total of 26 toilet facilities, including mobile units, will be available. Improved communication is also planned with walkie-talkies for senior corporation staff.
Police Commissioner Shankabratha Bagchi confirmed the deployment of 2,000 police personnel for security and crowd management. He inspected security arrangements, CCTV functionality, and parking facilities, outlining traffic restrictions in surrounding areas. The temple was illuminated Tuesday evening in anticipation of the festival.
First Piper 