In a move aimed at boosting pilgrimage tourism, the Andhra Prachad state government has asked the Union government to allocate 2,000 hectares of forest land for the development of the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam.
The proposal was presented by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu during a review meeting with officials from the Endowment and Forest Departments. The meeting also included Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Endowments Minister Anam Rama Narayana Reddy, and other senior leaders.
“We need a comprehensive master plan that can handle the huge number of devotees coming from all over the country—Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and beyond,” Naidu told the group. He urged the departments to design facilities that match those at Tirupati, the state’s most visited temple.
Srisailam, located in a forested valley, attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year. Currently, the site lacks basic amenities such as proper parking, and access roads are limited. The chief minister suggested linking the temple to national highways near Dornala, Sundipenta, and other nearby villages.
The development plans will be discussed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to visit Srisailam on October 16 to offer prayers. Naidu said a dedicated team will travel to Delhi to explain the need for the forest land and the broader development vision to the Union Forest Ministry.
Deputy Chief Minister Kalyan emphasized the urgency of expanding services to meet the growing flow of visitors. He recommended studying how temples in forest areas—such as Sabarimala—manage pilgrim needs and applying similar strategies to Srisailam.
The government also pledged to preserve and enhance the surrounding forest, including the Srisailam Tiger Reserve. Measures will focus on increasing greenery, protecting wildlife, and ensuring a sustainable environment as the temple’s infrastructure expands.
By converting Srisailam into a well‑connected spiritual and tourist center, Andhra Prachad aims to honor its heritage while welcoming millions of devotees and visitors in the years ahead.
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