Endowment Commissioner faults slow pace of Kanaka Durga temple works, orders shift work

Endowments Commissioner K. Ramachandra Mohan and Kanaka Durga Temple Chairman Borra Radhakrishna inspect the construction work of Annadanam Bhavanam and Laddu Potu Bhavanam at the top of Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada on Thursday. | Photo credit: GN RAO

Andhra Pradesh Endowments Commissioner K. Ramachandra Mohan said on Thursday (July 9, 2026) that the state government is committed to the comprehensive development of the Kanaka Durga temple at the Indrakeeladri peak, with priority being given to improving facilities and services for devotees. He directed officials to submit a draft master plan for the comprehensive development of Indrakeeladri by July 15.

Mr. Ramachandra Mohan along with Temple Trust Chairman Borra Radhakrishna (Gandhi) and senior officials inspected the construction of the new kitchen (Potu) and Annadanam complex at the top of Indrakeeladri.

He directed the temple authorities to ensure that the new laddu preparation facility and the Annadanam building are completed and operational before the start of the month of Sravana.

The commissioner expressed displeasure at the slow pace of work and questioned the engineers over the delay despite repeated checks and instructions. He directed them to work in multiple shifts to complete the projects well in advance of the Dasara Navaratri festival.

He emphasized that there would be no compromises in the quality of construction and warned officials against wasting time and public funds. The commissioner reviewed the floor work and selected a color scheme for the new kitchen building.

While inspecting the complex, Annadanam reiterated that every aspect of the project should directly benefit the devotees and should be executed to the highest standards. He said the new facilities should be fully operational during the Dasara festivities, with prasadam preparation moved to the new kitchen and free food distribution from the new Annadanam building.

The commissioner also made an exception to the operation of commercial establishments under the elevated front complex. Noticing the cold drink stalls, dressing room and other commercial activities in the area, he ordered the temple officials to remove them immediately.

He said that the space under the front complex was created exclusively for the convenience of devotees and should not be used for commercial purposes. “Every inch of land on Indrakeeladri should be utilized only for the devotees and their comfort,” he said.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer Kishore Babu, Executive Engineer Rama, Deputy Commissioner Rangarao and temple technicians accompanied the Endowment Commissioner.

Published – July 10, 2026 12:27 PM IST