Fri May 09 03:41:44 UTC 2025: **Andhra Pradesh Officials Prepare for Major Religious Festival Amidst Safety Concerns**
Paderu, Andhra Pradesh – The Alluri Sitharama Raju district administration is undertaking extensive preparations for the annual Sri Modakondamma Jatara, a three-day religious festival scheduled for May 11-13. The preparations follow a recent wall collapse incident at a similar festival in Simhachalam, prompting officials to prioritize safety measures.
District Collector A.S. Dinesh Kumar chaired a meeting outlining comprehensive plans for crowd management, ensuring smooth darshan (religious viewing) for devotees expected from across the district and neighboring areas. Measures include a central control room coordinating police, revenue, and other departments; the deployment of scouts and NSS volunteers to assist with crowd control and traffic management; and a ban on heavy vehicles on the ghat road leading to the temple. Liquor shops will also be closed from May 10-13.
Collector Kumar emphasized the importance of preventing overcrowding, ensuring adequate water and electricity supplies, maintaining hygiene, and guaranteeing the quality of food sold at the festival. He also stressed the need for pre-planned arrangements for VIP visits and special safety measures for women and children. Businesses have been advised to stock up on supplies in advance. The administration is committed to ensuring a safe and orderly festival for all attendees.
First Piper 