The Telangana government’s ambitious plan to develop Medaram and upgrade the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara on a permanent basis is facing serious criticism, as several key works remain incomplete just days before the mega tribal festival begins on January 28.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had envisioned hosting the Jatara on an unprecedented scale, with permanent infrastructure that would last for nearly 200 years. Around ₹250 crore was sanctioned for comprehensive development, including renovation of the sacred Gaddelu (shrines), roads, pilgrim facilities, and riverfront works at Jampanna Vagu. However, the decision to complete such large-scale, permanent works within a 100-day deadline has led to delays, quality concerns, and visible chaos on the ground.

Devotees and local residents feel that permanent works of such scale should have been taken up after the Jatara or at least a year in advance, rather than being rushed just months before the festival. Concerns are also being raised about compromised quality due to haste, Uneven and cracked stone flooring, Poor coordination in execution

The Master Plan is creating new inconveniences instead of easing pilgrim movement. Many fear that works may continue even after the Jatara concludes, defeating the purpose of ensuring a smooth pilgrimage experience this year. Officials attribute delays partly to early arrival of devotees for advance vows (mokku), but critics argue that such footfall was entirely predictable.

Works still incomplete as Jatara nears

With barely two weeks left for the festival, many works are still underway. Stone flooring and stone enclosures remain unfinished. Cement beams have been erected over stone structures, drawing criticism for diluting the promised all-stone design. Queue lines and covered sheds for devotees are only partially completed. Watchtower construction, lighting, grills, and beautification works are ongoing. Several road-widening and four-lane road projects remain incomplete. Cracks have already appeared in newly laid flooring in some areas

Devotees have expressed anger over what they describe as half-stone, half-cement structures, rushed execution, and poor finishing—especially for works meant to be permanent and heritage-oriented.

Master Plan announced, but Timeline slips

The Chief Minister personally visited Medaram and announced a Master Plan in September last year after consultations with tribal priests, elders, and organisations. The plan aimed at Permanent stone reconstruction of Sammakka, Saralamma, Pagididda Raju, and Govinda Raju Gaddelu. Expansion of the shrine complex to allow up to 10,000 devotees to have darshan at a time. Four-lane road connectivity around Medaram. Development of Jampanna Vagu for ritual holy dips

Originally, all works were to be completed by January 5, 2026, later extended to January 12 and then January 18. Even now, several components—especially within the Gaddelu complex—are far from completion.

Details of Ongoing and Delayed Works

Stone gateways, carvings, brass grills, flooring, and lighting inside the Gaddelu complex are incomplete. Queue line sheds have only just begun in some sections. Exit routes, junction improvements, and divider works are unfinished. Road works around Reddi Gudem, Kothuru, Kannepalli, and Medaram are still in progress. Sand levelling and full development of Jampanna Vagu ghats remain pending. Facilities like toilets, bathing ghats, drinking water points, parking blocks, and pilgrim shelters are still being set up

While the intent to permanently transform Medaram and honour tribal heritage has been widely welcomed, the rushed execution has overshadowed the vision. With incomplete works, quality concerns, and mounting public dissatisfaction, the Medaram Master Plan has become a case where ambition appears to have outpaced preparation—leaving devotees anxious just as one of the world’s largest tribal gatherings approaches.

Medaram Development: Budget Break-up

Gaddelu Complex Development: Rs 55–60 crore (Shrine renovation, stone flooring, queue lines, darshan area expansion)

Sculpture & Cultural Decoration: Rs 6–8 crore (Tribal history stone carvings, murals, artistic designs)

Jampanna Vagu Development: Rs 35–40 crore (Ghats, flood control, safety walls, landscaping)

Pilgrim Amenities: Rs 45–50 crore (Drinking water, permanent toilets, rest sheds, shaded areas)

Roads, Access & Parking: Rs 50–55 crore (Road widening, entry-exit routes, parking zones)

Power, Safety & Emergency Services: Rs 10–15 crore (Lighting, CCTV, fire safety, medical infrastructure)

Total Estimated Master Plan Cost: ~Rs 250 crore