Telangana CM reviews Medaram works ahead of tribal fair
Hyderabad, Dec 1
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday reviewed the development works of the tribal shrine of Sammakka-Sarakka at Medaram ahead of the famous Medaram jatra scheduled next month.
At a review meeting with ministers and officials concerned, he instructed the officials to maintain quality standards strictly in the Medaram development works. The authorities, including engineers, were ordered to conduct regular field visits and monitor the works directly.
He warned that strict action would be initiated against the officials who are found neglecting their assigned duties.
The Chief Minister gave specific instructions on the development of the road network, stone works, installation of electricity poles, routes for the movement of devotees around the sacred platforms (Gaddelu) and waiting places for the devotees.
During the PowerPoint presentation on the progress of the works, the Chief Minister suggested precautions to be taken in several areas. The CM stressed that the Roads and Buildings Department (R&B), Electricity Department, Endowment, Forest Department and archaeologist Sthapathi Shivanagi Reddy should work in coordination for the speedy completion of the works.
He said tribal culture, their tradition and customs should also be accorded priority in the development of the Medaram. He wanted officials to complete the work within the stipulated time.
Endowment Minister Konda Surekha, Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, State Scheduled Caste Development and Tribal Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar, Chief Minister's Advisor Vem Narender Reddy, Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao and other officials were present.
The temple development works have been taken up as part of the master plan. The Chief Minister recently visited the temple to finalise the plan.
The plan focuses on the sacred grounds that house platforms of Sammakka, Saralamma, Pagididdaraju, and Govindaraju, enabling lakhs of devotees to offer prayers conveniently.
The works are being taken up ahead of the Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara, scheduled to begin on January 28, 2026.
Lakhs of devotees from various parts of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and other states attend the tribal fair.
The Chief Minister has already demanded that the Central government recognise Medaram Jatara, the tribal festival of Telangana, as a national festival and allocate adequate funds to organise the prestigious event on a grand scale.
The Chief Minister questioned the rationale behind the Centre not extending its support to the country’s biggest tribal festival in Mulugu district of Telangana when it was allocating funds for the Kumbh Mela.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The CM's point about recognizing it as a national festival is valid. If Kumbh Mela gets central funds, why not this? It's one of the largest tribal gatherings in the world. This is about respecting and preserving India's diverse cultural tapestry, not just politics.
While the review is positive, I hope this isn't just last-minute optics before the jatra. Development works for such large events should be planned and executed well in advance, not rushed. The warning to officials sounds good, but consistent monitoring is the key.
It's heartening that he stressed prioritizing tribal culture and traditions in the development plan. Often, modernization overlooks the soul of such places. Jai Sammakka-Sarakka! May the jatra be peaceful and prosperous for all devotees.
Interesting read. The scale of this event is impressive. Coordinating multiple departments (Electricity, Forests, etc.) is always a challenge in India. Hope the field visits by engineers actually happen and aren't just on paper. Efficient execution will be the real test.
My family attends every year. The roads and waiting areas really need improvement – it gets incredibly crowded. Glad it's getting attention. Hope the work is completed on time and doesn't remain half-finished like many government projects.
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