Nalgonda, April 09: Negligence on the part of Yadagirigutta temple management and state government has doubled the construction cost of second ghat road at the temple.
Devotees have been facing a problem in reaching the temple since long due to congestion on the first ghat road.
Taking cognizance of the issue, about two and half years ago, the Devasthanam sought permission from the commissioner of endowments, Hyderabad, for the construction of a 2.4-km long ghat road at an estimated expenditure of Rs 11.6 crore.
The proposal was forwarded to the Roads and Buildings Department, which passed it on to the state government and it, in turn, forwarded the same to the central government in Oct, 2008 marking the scheme ‘economically important’ and recommending grant of funds.
The central government sanctioned its ratio of 50% funds for the construction of second ghat road.
And the remaining amount should be borne jointly by the state government and the Yadagirigutta temple management.
The temple management expressed its readiness to bear 10 per cent of the total expenditure of ghat road.
But the state government has not sanctioned its share of 40 per cent funds.
The delay has led to escalation of costs and it is estimated that the road construction would need Rs 22 crore against the earlier Rs 11.6 crore.
Over the last one year, pilgrim rush to the temple has increased appreciably. Movement up to the shrine has become difficult on account of the stipulation that if 10 vehicles are coming downhill, only five will be allowed to go uphill.
This is leading to interminable wait.
Not only are the pilgrims inconvenienced, even private vehicle owners like auto rickshaw drivers are unhappy about loss of income on account of this condition.
Devotees are hoping that ministers from the district would be able to persuade state government to release funds for the ghat road.
–Agencies