Developmental activities at the Yadagirigutta are on the back burner since the Cong Govt took charge

■   Rs.1,300 crore Yadadri temple reconstruction stuck midway due to government inaction.

■   Rs.380 crore in pending contractor payments halts all major works.

■   Israeli surveillance and lighting systems abandoned midway.

■   Temple bearing Rs.1–1.5 crore monthly RTC expenses despite free travel schemes.

■   Temple City project reduced to a park; donor cottages remain unbuilt.

B NARSIMHA I NALGONDA

Once hailed as “Telangana’s Tirupati,” the Yadagirigutta Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is gradually losing its splendor. Despite a substantial Rs.1,300 crore reconstruction initiative launched during the previous BRS regime—aimed at boosting pilgrim influx and comprehensive development—the progress has now come to a standstill.

The earlier government undertook extensive reconstruction works, but before their completion, political power shifted from BRS to the Congress. Since then, development proposals and ongoing projects have stagnated due to administrative neglect and financial constraints. Aside from minor activities, little has been done by the current Congress administration to advance the temple’s growth, casting a shadow over its sanctity and infrastructure.

Development at a standstill and security concerns

Development efforts have not only halted but also compromised the temple’s safety. The much-acclaimed “Temple City” project, once envisaged as a vibrant hub, has effectively been reduced to a park. Pending payments to contractors have caused delays, thwarting progress and reversing previous gains. Although some gold plating works initiated earlier continue, most other projects remain incomplete.

Meanwhile, temple income is under strain as devotees continue paying for tickets and rituals, while displaced shopkeepers—around 80 in number—await shop allotments promised during earlier phases. The BRS government had also proposed constructing 250 donor cottages with essential amenities; however, the current administration has not advanced this plan, leaving the site stalled.

Lack of progress and pending projects

Apart from some minor progress in a flyover project—originally nearly 90% complete before the regime change—major infrastructure works remain pending. Key projects like the entry flyover, beautification of Gandicheruvu, new bus stand, temple buses, ropeway from Pedda Gutta, cloakroom at Kalyanakatta, and installation of Israeli surveillance technology are all incomplete, despite funds allocated by the previous government.

Approximately Rs.380 crore in pending payments to contractors remain uncleared, with no recent budget provisions for these works. Although RTC buses continue offering free rides for devotees, the temple management is bearing these costs. Plans to purchase additional buses under temple management have been shelved.

Pending financial and technical matters

Contractors are owed Rs.380 crore, impacting ongoing and future works. Around 139 shops constructed near Kalyanakatta for displaced vendors remain under-filled, with only 53 beneficiaries allotted. The remaining shops sit unused, and proposed multi-level parking plans to accommodate pilgrims have been ignored.

Advanced safety systems proposed earlier—such as Israeli lighting, CCTV surveillance every 200 meters, and a real-time command control center—have been abandoned. Consequently, temple security has weakened; the existing command center on the hill lacks staff and equipment, rendering it ineffective. Proposals for dedicated security forces, including the Yadadri Protection Force and OCTOPUS command team, have yet to materialize. Recent security lapses, including theft incidents, highlight the ongoing vulnerability. With assets worth crores, more robust security measures are urgently needed.

 Awaiting Governance: The unformed temple board

The government had planned to establish a formal governing board for Yadagirigutta, modeled after the Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanams (TTD). Despite amending the Endowments Act for this purpose, the appointment process remains stalled. The last board functioned nearly 15 years ago (2008–2010), leaving the temple without a dedicated administrative authority.

Political factions and internal power struggles, involving senior leaders and local MLAs, have caused delays in forming the new board. The continued political deadlock leaves the temple’s future administration uncertain.

Political lobbying has reportedly caused the delay. Senior Congress leaders and ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, and local MLA Beerla Ilaiah are said to be vying for the chairman and member posts. Competing factions and internal power struggles have led to deadlock, leaving temple administration in uncertainty.