Tue Jul 01 16:52:46 UTC 2025: Here’s a summarized version of the text as a news article:

**Visakhapatnam Prepares for Massive Giri Pradakshina Festival**

**Visakhapatnam, India – July 1, 2025** – Visakhapatnam District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad is spearheading efforts to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for the lakhs of devotees expected to attend the annual Giri Pradakshina festival at the Simhachalam Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple on July 9th.

Following an inspection of the 32-kilometer trek route with Police Commissioner Shankabratha Bagchi and other officials, Prasad has issued directives for comprehensive arrangements, including robust traffic management, secure queue lines, and heightened police presence. Preventing stampedes is a top priority, with complete police bandobast planned.

Authorities are focusing on providing ample essential services for pilgrims, including adequate toilets, drinking water, sanitation workers, street lighting, and medical camps. Special measures, like swimmer deployment at Appughar Beach and the closure of liquor outlets along the route, will be in effect on July 9th and 10th.

Technology will also play a key role, with a dedicated app enabling devotees to request medical or other urgent assistance. The police will utilize the ‘Astram’ app for real-time traffic monitoring.

GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg is overseeing road development and widening projects along the route to accommodate the expected crowds, focusing on the Narasimha Nagar to Gopalapatnam stretch.

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