By The Hindu Bureau

Copyright thehindu

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has instructed the officials concerned to constitute a dedicated team of officials to expedite works on the development of the famous shrine Sammakka temple in Medaram.

The government is prepared to release sufficient funds for the purpose, and the works should be completed within 100 days. The Chief Minister visited Medaram on Tuesday to get information about the facilities at the shrine and reviewed the temple development works with senior officials, priests and local representatives. Tribal culture, traditions and their beliefs should be factored in while taking up the developmental works.

The temple is situated in a pristine natural location, and the planning of new structures should be such that they can withstand natural disasters. Construction of the check dam at Jampanna Vagu rivulet should form part of the developmental works, he said.

Officials briefed the priests and tribal groups about the plans that included designs and other works proposed in the temple premises. The local community welcomed the government’s initiative for the expansion of the temple when the Chief Minister sought the opinions of the priests and tribal representatives.

They brought various issues related to tribal culture and traditions to the Chief Minister’s notice. Mr Revanth Reddy, in turn, assured that their beliefs, traditions and culture would be given utmost importance. “Deities Sammakka and Saralammas are the inspiration for struggle. I have been visiting the temple since I was elected an MLA”, he said, recalling that he started his padayatra from the holy shrine on February 6, 2023..

He was firm that stone structures should be constructed in the temple area. State Irrigation officials were also instructed to develop check dams and conserve Jampanna Vagu for the water resources of the temple. It was the responsibility of the government and other stakeholders to preserve history, tribal struggle as an inspiration for future generations.