Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The Andhra Pradesh government has fast-tracked an ambitious plan to transform Pithapuram into a major spiritual tourism destination, with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan announcing comprehensive development of 19 temples in the constituency.

At a review meeting with officials of the Endowments Department and the Pithapuram Area Development Authority on Friday, Pawan Kalyan revealed that the government has approved Rs 20 crore from the Common Good Fund for temple restoration and infrastructure upgrades. Of this, Rs 6 crore has been earmarked exclusively for the development of the renowned Sri Puruhutika Ammavaru and Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy temples, two of the region’s most visited shrines.

He said detailed project reports are being prepared for major temples, including Puruhutika Ammavaru, Kukkuteswara Swamy and Sripada Srivallabha Peetham. “Pithapuram is home to significant spiritual centres and deserves to be developed as a model constituency,” he said, adding that several old temples have already been identified for revival with support from the Endowments Department.

Key works planned include construction of mandapams, upgrades to temple tanks, and improvements to public amenities. The development plan also includes Rs 2 crore for Sripada Srivallabha Temple, Rs 60 lakh for Sita Rama Anjaneya Ashram, Rs 65 lakh for Jai Ganesh Temple and Rs 70 lakh for Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Chitrada.

Pawan Kalyan also thanked Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy for agreeing to include four additional temples under the Dhoopa Deepa Naivedyam scheme. Reviewing arrangements for the ongoing Kartika Masam, he directed officials to ensure smooth darshan for devotees, especially women, and to strengthen security around major temples. “Protecting and preserving temples is a shared responsibility,” he said, urging community participation in the region’s spiritual rejuvenation.