Wed Apr 30 04:10:00 UTC 2025: **Andhra Pradesh Government Announces Rs 25 Lakh Ex-Gratia for Simhachalam Tragedy Victims**
VISAKHAPATNAM, Andhra Pradesh – April 30, 2025 – The Andhra Pradesh government has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 25 lakh (approximately $30,000 USD) to the families of each victim who died in the Simhachalam temple tragedy on April 30, 2025. The incident occurred during the Chandanotsavam festival at the Simhachalam temple when a wall collapsed, killing at least eight devotees and injuring ten more.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu held a teleconference with district officials, ministers, and the Simhachalam temple’s managing trustee, Ashok Gajapati Raju, to discuss the tragedy. The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow and directed a three-member committee to investigate the incident.
In addition to the ex-gratia, the government will provide Rs 3 lakh (approximately $3,600 USD) to each injured devotee. The state government also pledged to offer outsourcing jobs within the Endowments Department to the affected families.
Minister Nimmala Ramanayudu expressed his condolences and assured the public that the government is providing the best possible medical care to the injured. Rescue teams, including NDRF and SDRF personnel, were immediately deployed to the scene. The deceased have been transported to the KGH hospital. The death toll may rise further, as rescue efforts continue. The cause of the wall collapse is under investigation.
First Piper 