Amaravati, June 2 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday directed officials to organise the Godavari Pushkaralu-2027 on a grand scale, showcasing the state’s rich cultural, historical and spiritual heritage.

Emphasising the importance of spiritual tourism, the Chief Minister noted that the Godavari river basin is home to numerous sacred temples and pilgrimage centres, making the Pushkaralu an excellent opportunity to promote spiritual tourism and boost economic activity across the region.

Naidu, reviewing arrangements with the Ministers’ Committee and senior officials at the Secretariat, said all departments must work closely to ensure the prestigious event runs smoothly.

He also reviewed the Akhanda Godavari Development Project. He reiterated that the Polavaram Project would be completed and dedicated to the nation before the commencement of the Pushkaralu, creating an additional attraction for visitors.

The Chief Minister proposed developing the stretch from Dhavaleswaram to the Polavaram Project as an “Akhanda Godavari Corridor” and instructed officials to ensure that all infrastructure developed for the Pushkaralu becomes a lasting asset for the Godavari basin region. He expressed confidence that the event would significantly contribute to transforming Rajamahendravaram into a major metropolitan city.

Naidu directed officials to focus on highway and railway traffic management and make special arrangements for the large influx of pilgrims from rural areas. To ensure convenience and avoid confusion, he instructed that all Pushkar ghats be numbered systematically.

He called for improved road connectivity through national and state highways and enhanced railway services between Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. He directed officials to write to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw seeking additional special trains and financial assistance from the Centre.

He also suggested exploring the establishment of Kumbh Mela-style tent cities and homestay facilities to accommodate pilgrims and tourists. Referring to the recent field visit by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Naidu instructed officials to incorporate his recommendations into the planning process.

The Chief Minister directed officials to construct roads on both sides of the Polavaram Project and undertake extensive beautification of the Godavari River embankments. He also suggested renovating the residence of social reformer Kandukuri Veeresalingam in Rajamahendravaram. Prominent spiritual leaders, heads of religious institutions, political leaders and film personalities will be invited to participate.

Naidu instructed officials to present a comprehensive action plan by June 24, after which the official countdown to the event will begin. He further directed APSAC, RTGS and TTD to jointly develop crowd management systems and launch a dedicated Akhanda Godavari Pushkaralu-2027 website.

He emphasised the uninterrupted conduct of Akhanda Harathi to the Godavari River and Pavitra Harathi to the Krishna River.

The government has decided to prepare 525 ghats across six districts, Polavaram, Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Kakinada, for the Pushkaralu. In addition to the existing 288 ghats, proposals have been prepared for the construction of 237 new ghats.

The total length of Pushkar ghats is proposed to be expanded from 4.5 km to 9.9 km. The first ghat will be developed at Gundala in Polavaram district, while the final ghats will be located at Antarvedi and Balusutippa in Konaseema district, Govalanka in Kakinada district and Narsapuram in West Godavari district.

Officials estimate that nearly 9.95 crore pilgrims will take a holy dip during Pushkaralu-2027. Historical participation figures indicate that approximately 1.2 crore devotees attended the 1991 Pushkaralu, 5 crore in 2003, and 4.86 crore in 2015.

–IANS

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