Master Plan for Medaram shrine to be finalised soon after meeting with CM

HYDERABAD

Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said that the final draft of the Master Plan for the modernisation of Sammakka-Sarakka tribal shrine at Medaram would be released after incorporating the suggestions of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, after a meeting after November 22. He also assured that all the proposed works and those to be taken up as per the Master Plan would be completed by the commencement of the biennial Maha Jatara scheduled to be held from January 28 to 31, 2026.

Mr. Reddy, along with Ministers Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka), Adluri Laxman Kumar, and Konda Srekha, visited Medaram in SS Tadwai mandal in Mulugu district on Wednesday.

Addressing a press conference after holding a review meeting with authorities concerned, including CMO Secretary Srinivasa Raju and Endowments Principal Secretary Shailja Ramaiyer, Mr. Reddy said that the second phase of works aimed at providing permanent facilities as per the Master Plan would be taken up to meet the demand for two centuries.

“The works are going at a brisk pace, and they would be completed by the commencement of Jatara. We will execute the modernisation works on permanent basis as per the Adivasi (Tribal) traditions,” he said, adding that the State government is committed to giving a facelift to the shrine and ensuring a hassle-free experience for devotees.

Local MLA and Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Seethakka took those making allegations over Medaram works to task, suggesting they desist from making baseless allegations.

“Some individuals and parties with vested interests are resorting to unnecessary remarks over the ongoing works, including that of setting up a shed with an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore. As part of this, we set up a structure with ₹50 lakh, but we are removing it and setting it up in another place as per the new plan,” she said, adding that the previous government of wasting Rs 1 crore on demolishing checkdams constructed at a cost of ₹9 to ₹10 crore.

Meanwhile, Minister Surekha demanded Union Ministers Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay Kumar to ensure national status for the jatara.