Sircilla: People oppose proposed closure of Vemulawada temple

The proposed closure of the Sri Rajarajeshwara Swamy temple, Vemulawada, to take up developmental works is being opposed by various quarters. Though the opposition is not against the development proposal, it is against the closure of the shrine when the works are taken up

Rajanna Sircilla: The proposed closure of the Sri Rajarajeshwara Swamy temple, Vemulawada, to take up developmental works is being opposed by various quarters. Though the opposition is not against the development proposal, it is against the closure of the shrine when the works are taken up.

Sources said the State government was contemplating developmental works by closing the shrine from June 15. Though it has not been announced officially, reports are making rounds in the temple town. Opposing this, local people including political parties, small traders and others recently formed a committee named ‘Rajanna Protection Samithi’ to fight against the closure of the shrine. They have also decided to observe a temple town bandh on May 14 opposing the decision.

During his visit to the shrine in November last year, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy laid the foundation for works worth Rs.76 crore. A local trader said nobody had objection to the development of the temple. However, the proposal to close the shrine was being opposed by the local people, devotees and traders, he said.

About 5,000 small traders were leading their lives by depending on the shrine. All of them would lose employment if the temple was closed. On the other hand, officials were not divulging any details on the development plans or allocation of funds to take up work. So far, the plan of development has been announced by the government. However, estimations for various works have not been revealed.

Though the foundation for works worth Rs.76 crore, not a single rupee was released so far. Temple sources said the government was contemplating to take up developmental works by utilizing the fixed deposit amount. The temple has Rs.110 crore in fixed deposits and pension was being paid to retired employees with the interest gained from these fixed deposits. Besides Rs 110 crore, Rs 20 crore each of general fixed deposits and temple guest houses maintenance amount was also there. Except general fixed deposits, it was not possible to withdraw other deposits.

BRS Vemulawada constituency in-charge Chalmeda Lakshmi Narsimha Rao made it clear that there was no question of allowing the government to take up works by withdrawing fixed deposits. “Has a detailed project report been prepared?” he asked, also questioning the secrecy on the issue.

The temple underwent renovation for the first time in 1979. Again, few a developmental works were taken up during the BRS regime. Stating that they had not maintained secrecy, he said the details of works were displayed in a photo exhibition on the temple premises that time to maintain transparency, which was however, missing this time.