Development works under PRASAD moving at slow pace at Bhadrachalam

Nearly two years after President Droupadi Murmu launched PRASAD scheme works at Bhadrachalam and Parnasala, less than half have been completed. Officials cite contractor negligence and poor monitoring, while devotees allege State government failure in utilising Centre-sanctioned funds.

Bhadrachalam (Kothagudem): Infrastructure development at the temple town Bhadrachalam and Parnasala launched by President Droupadi Murmu on December 28, 2022 under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) are moving at slow pace.

The works worth Rs 41.38 crore have been sanctioned by the Union Ministry of Tourism after proposals submitted by the Telangana Tourism Department. Work tenders were called and approved in June 2023 with Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation Limited acting as the implementing agency.

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Under the scheme, it was planned to build a shed at Nithyakalyana Mandapam at the main temple area with Rs 1.09 crore. Rs 69.60 lakh was allotted for mechanisation of prasadam production, processing and storage area.

Setting up a devotee/pilgrim amenities centre along with a digital projection room with 6.94 crore, installation of an IP Based CCTV surveillance system with Rs 99.20 lakh and solar power generation systems with Rs 79.75 lakh were among the works proposed. But not even half of the proposed works were completed.

The plan to install two lifts with 16-person capacity for senior citizens and differently abled persons with Rs 47.46 lakh is yet to be executed. Alleged negligent attitude of the contractor in executing the works and the failure of officials to monitor them are said to be reasons for the delay.

Officials informed that six notices have been issued to the contractor for his failure to complete the works. Officials had to replace a contractor who was engaged in works at Parnasala as he stopped executing the works.

Meanwhile, the State government acquired lands of 43 locals for development activities it has planned in addition to the PRASAD scheme. Land belonging to the R & B department at the bridge centre, where a dormitory was planned to be built under the scheme, was allotted to the locals as a rehabilitation measure, thus the construction of the dormitory was abandoned.

Speaking to Telangana Today, a devotee cum social activist Aluvala Raju complained even after the Centre had allotted funds for Bhadrachalam development the State government failed to utilise them properly. The government should expedite the works for the convenience of the devotees, he demanded.