Endowments Minister A. Indrakaran Reddy has directed officials of the department to vacate the building abutting the historic Bhadrakali temple which was built for pilgrims.
Following a representation and responding to the queries of newsmen, the Minister directed the officials to shift their offices to a rented building and make way for the pilgrims, who come from far-off places.
Mr. Indrakaran Reddy visited the temple in connection with ongoing Brahmotsavams here on Saturday.
He told media persons here that temples across the State owned a total of 82,000 acres of land. While most of the land was encroached upon, the priests were finding it difficult to carry out daily rituals as there was no income. It was decided to reclaim land in phased manner.
A total of 54 acres of endowment land in Kazipet was given to the railways for the proposed wagon factory, for which Rs.20 crore was deposited to Endowments Department.
Plan for chandiyagam
The Minister asked temple authorities and priests to plan for the chandiyagam that was last held 16 years ago. He said he would ensure the presence of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao for the ritual. Mr. Indrakaran Reddy said nearly 60,000 devotees would be visiting the Bhadrakali temple on Saturday and Sunday. Keeping in view the growing numbers, more facilities would be added to the temple.
The State government is constructing 107 bathing ghats in five districts for the Godavari Pushkarams that would be held in July.
