Mon Nov 03 02:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:
Vizianagaram Temples on High Alert Following Srikakulam Stampede
Vizianagaram/Bobbili, November 2, 2025 – In the wake of a recent stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, temples across Vizianagaram district have been placed on high alert. Temple staff and committees are implementing enhanced safety measures to ensure the smooth and secure observance of the second Monday of Karthika Masam, a holy month attracting large crowds.
Authorities are widening barricades and expanding queue lines to accommodate the anticipated surge in devotees. Police presence has also been increased, with officers conducting regular inspections of temples and collaborating with temple administrations to identify and address potential hazards. Defective CCTV cameras are being repaired or replaced immediately to improve surveillance capabilities.
District Collector Ramasunder Reddy has instructed temple authorities, including those managing private temples, to optimize queue management systems and streamline entry and exit points to minimize wait times for devotees. Temple administrations are required to provide estimates of expected visitor numbers to the police.
Superintendent of Police (SP) AR Damodar stated that police personnel have been mobilized to conduct thorough inspections of temple premises and ensure that organizers are adhering to safety protocols.
Devadaya Shakha (Endowments Department) Inspector Rajakumari of the Bobbili Division stated that the department is working closely with police to ensure the safety and comfort of devotees, particularly at historic temples like the Venugopalaswamy Temple in Bobbili.
While the Endowments Department oversees private trusts such as Ramnarayanam, staffing shortages within the department are posing a challenge, with key officers often managing multiple temples concurrently.
First Piper 