District steps up preparations for Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina

With lakhs of devotees expected for the annual Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina next week, the district administration has intensified preparations to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage. Civic amenities, medical services, security and traffic management are being strengthened along the 32-km trekking route ahead of one of north Andhra Pradesh’s largest religious events.

District Collector Abhishikt Kishore, accompanied by Commissioner of Police Shankabratha Bagchi, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Ketan Garg, Simhachalam Devasthanam Executive Officer Venkata Rao, APEPDCL Chairman and Managing Director Prudhvi Tej, and senior officials from various departments, on Tuesday inspected the trekking route.

Travelling by bus, the team reviewed arrangements from Lumbini Park, where devotees traditionally take a holy dip before beginning the trek, through MVP Circle, Isukathota Junction, Seethammadhara, Murali Nagar, the Marriott Hotel stretch, the National Highway, NSTL, Kumari Kalyana Mandapam and Tholi Pavancha. They inspected road repairs, street lighting, underground power cabling and CCTV installations.

The Collector said 30 assistance centres would be set up along the route to provide immediate support to pilgrims. Officials from the Police, Revenue, Endowments and other departments would be deployed at these centres to coordinate services and address grievances. Six to seven regional control rooms, along with a central Command and Control Centre at Hanumanthawaka, would monitor the pilgrimage round the clock.

Mr. Kishore directed officials to ensure uninterrupted drinking water, sanitation and medical services along the route. Medical teams, ambulances and emergency response units would be stationed at strategic locations to handle emergencies.

With a heavy turnout expected, he instructed the Police and Transport departments to implement a comprehensive traffic management plan. Noting that the number of pilgrims has increased every year, the Collector directed officials to closely monitor the ongoing works and complete all arrangements well ahead of the pilgrimage.

GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg said the civic body had drawn up a special sanitation plan, with continuous cleaning operations to prevent garbage accumulation. Drinking water points, mobile toilets, improved street lighting, road repairs and medical camps would be provided at key locations, while GVMC personnel would remain on duty round the clock.

Appealing for a plastic-free pilgrimage, Mr. Garg urged devotees and donors to avoid single-use plastic at annaprasadam and drinking water distribution centres. He also called for dustbins at every distribution point to ensure proper waste disposal and sought the cooperation of devotees and organisers in making the Giri Pradakshina clean and environmentally friendly.