Shed collapses at Andhra's Simhachalam temple, none hurt
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Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina to attract lakhs of devotees
: The port city is gearing up for the highly anticipated Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina, a spiritual walk of devotion that attracts lakhs of devotees every year. The event, which will take place on Wednesday, involves a 32 km walk around the Simhachalam hill, starting and ending at Tholipavancha, the foothill of Simhachalam. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The route passes through various locations, including Adavivaram, Central Prison, Mudasarlova, Health City, Hanumanthawaka, Venkojipalem, HB Colony, Muralinagara, Madhavadhara, NSTL, Gopalapatnam, Prahladapuram, and Gosala. The district administration and temple management are expecting around five to six lakh devotees to participate in the event, and extensive arrangements have been made to ensure their safety and convenience. Around 3,000 police personnel from various districts, including the city police commissionerate, Anakapalli, Alluri Sitarama Raju district, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam, have been deployed for security and traffic management duties. The spiritual walk is an act of pure devotion, with devotees mostly walking barefoot and chanting Lord Vishnu's name throughout the night. The district collector, Harendira Prasad, has stated that arrangements have been made for around six lakh people, including 35 medical camps and 10 ambulances. The devotees will be allowed to have a holy bath at the Appughar area, with 50 expert swimmers and a few boats stationed in the waters for safety. Following a tragic wall collapse incident during the Chandanotsavam in April this year, which resulted in the deaths of seven devotees, and a shed collapse a couple of days ago, the district administration and temple management have taken extra precautions to ensure the safety of the devotees. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Mobile toilets, drinking water facilities, medical camps, and temporary shelters have been set up along the 32 km route. The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is focused on street lighting and sanitation to ensure the safety and hygiene of the devotees. Various voluntary organizations are involved in community service by setting up Prasadam, Annadanam stalls, water, buttermilk, and refreshments. The city police commissioner, Sankabrata Bagchi, has stated that the entire route will be under CCTV surveillance, linked to the command control centre. Devotees can rest at the holding points, and if they need any help, they can contact the police or use the Astram App. With these arrangements in place, the Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina is expected to be a successful and memorable event for the devotees.
New Indian Express
06-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Shed collapses at Andhra's Simhachalam temple, none hurt
VISAKHAPATNAM: A temporary shed under construction near Tholipavancha along the Giri Pradakshina route at The Simhachalam Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple experienced a collapse on Saturday, occurring just days before the annual Giri Pradakshina set for July 9. Thankfully, there were no injuries since no devotees were present at the time. Officials indicated that the shed fell during preparation activities. Witnesses reported that the structure failed due to inadequate support unable to sustain the weight of iron sheets. Visakhapatnam District Collector MN Harendhira Prasad, during a press conference at the Collectorate, stated, 'The sheds are being constructed for the upcoming Giri Pradakshina. One of the sheds slipped while workers were securing it.' When questioned about the safety protocols and the contractor responsible, the Collector replied, 'All details concerning the incident, including the contractor involved and the safety measures implemented, will be thoroughly investigated.' Authorities have been instructed to examine and assess all temporary structures to prevent similar incidents during the festival, which attracts lakhs of pilgrims each year. This incident follows a previous safety issue at the temple during Chandanotsavam, where a section of a wall collapsed, resulting in the death of eight devotees. The successive mishaps have raised concerns about the safety standards for large religious gatherings.
Hans India
27-06-2025
- Hans India
Call to make Kurnool a drug-free district
Kurnool: In observance of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, district Collector P Ranjith Basha called for united efforts to transform the district into a drug-free zone. Speaking at a programme at the district Collectorate on Thursday, he underscored the devastating impact of drug abuse on youth and society. He stressed the importance of awareness campaigns, community participation, and strict surveillance measures. He also urged parents to encourage children to engage in sports and cultural activities as a means of keeping them away from harmful influences. The Collector detailed government initiatives aimed at curbing drug abuse, such as inter-departmental coordination meetings, awareness drives in schools and colleges, rehabilitation services, and a toll-free number (1972) for confidential reporting of drug-related activities. He called upon citizens to play an active role in reporting drug supply or consumption in their communities. MP B Nagaraju reiterated the government's goal of achieving 'Ganja-free Andhra Pradesh', highlighting the use of drone and satellite surveillance to detect and eliminate cannabis cultivation. DIG Koya Praveen provided historical context on drug cultivation in the region and credited the current administration for its strict crackdown on such practices. MLA Gouru Charitha observed that drug usage had spread into rural areas but noted that the government's proactive measures, including special committees and dedicated officers, had led to a significant decline in cannabis growth. SP Vikrant Patil warned of severe legal consequences under NDPS Act, while also highlighting the importance of rehabilitation for addicts. Mayor BY Ramayya urged parents to monitor their children's behavior and financial habits. An anti-drug awareness rally was held from Raj Vihar Center to the Collectorate.
