Wed Apr 30 04:10:00 UTC 2025: **Andhra Pradesh CM Announces Compensation After Wall Collapse at Simhachalam Temple**
AMARAVATI, INDIA – Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu held a teleconference with ministers and senior officials following a tragic wall collapse at the Simhachalam temple, resulting in the death of seven devotees. The incident occurred during the Chandanotsavam festival.
Naidu announced compensation of ₹25 lakh (approximately $30,000 USD) for the families of each deceased and ₹3 lakh (approximately $3,600 USD) for those injured. He also directed the Endowments Department to offer outsourcing jobs in temples under its purview to the affected families.
The Chief Minister ordered a three-member committee to investigate the incident and inquired about the medical aid being provided to the injured. He instructed officials to immediately clear the debris from the collapsed wall to prevent further inconvenience to devotees and to enhance security measures given the expected large crowds at the temple.
Ministers Anita, Dola Balaveera Anjaneya Swamy, Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Ananga Satya Prasad, MP Bharat, and Simhachalam Devasthanam hereditary trustee Ashok Gajapathi Raju were among those who participated in the teleconference.
First Piper 