Nellore Collector reviews Maha Shivaratri arrangements at major Shaivite temples in Prakasam
Nellore: District Collector P. Rajababu on Tuesday directed officials to ensure easy and hassle-free darshan for devotees during Mahashivratri at major Shaivite temples in Prakasam district. Reviewing the arrangements through a virtual meeting with revenue, police, and endowment officials, the collector stated that general devotees visiting key centers such as Bhairavakona, Tripurantakam, and Ramatheertham, where large crowds are expected on February 15, should be given priority.
He directed officials to strengthen line management, drinking water supply, sanitation, parking, and security arrangements, and to ensure good coordination between departments. Emphasis was also placed on setting up a control room, CCTV surveillance, and a public address system.
District Superintendent of Police V. Harshavardhan Raju stated that strict security arrangements are being made to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees. Senior officials from the revenue, police, endowment, and health departments participated in the review meeting. No VIP passes for darshan on Maha Shivaratri in Kakinada district
Kakinada: Kakinada District Collector Shan Mohan Sagili announced on Tuesday that no VIP passes would be issued for darshan at major Shiva temples in the district during Maha Shivaratri on February 15. Addressing reporters alongside District Superintendent of Police G. Bindu Madhav, the Collector said that devotees waiting in queues would be given priority. He added that priests and other devotees would also not be allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum for abhishekam after the first darshan. He said that VIP darshan would be allowed only between 1 pm and 3 pm, while at all other times VIPs would have to stand in the general queue. The Collector said that heavy crowds are expected at the Kumara Rama Bheemeshwara Swamy Temple and Kukkuteshwara Swamy Temple in Samalkot, with approximately one lakh devotees expected at each temple. He added that arrangements for ambulances, drinking water, milk supply, and uninterrupted electricity would be made in the temple premises. Superintendent of Police Bindu Madhav said that crowd management will be carried out using 13 drones at specific temples, along with extensive CCTV coverage linked to a command control room. He appealed to devotees to cooperate with authorities for smooth darshan during the festival.
