The Telangana government is committed to preserving ancient temples, and extensive preparations are under way for the successful conduct of the Godavari Pushkaralu next year, aid Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka.

He said the Congress government under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy was focussing on the conservation of heritage temples while simultaneously strengthening infrastructure for pilgrims.

Mr. Vikramarka, along with Social Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar, performed bhoomi puja on Monday for the reconstruction of the historic Sri Ugra Narasimha Swamy temple in Dharmapuri at an estimated cost of ₹10 crore.

Director and Commissioner of Endowments M. Hanumantha Rao was present.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vikramarka said ₹200 crore had been earmarked for 2027 Godavari Pushkaralu-related development works in the Dharmapuri Assembly constituency. The works include construction of pushkar ghats at Dharmapuri and Kotilingala, prominent pilgrimage centres in Jagtial district.

The government is undertaking the development of prominent temples along the Godavari river stretch from Basar to Bhadrachalam and creating necessary infrastructure to cater to the expected influx of pilgrims.

He said ₹1,000 crore has been earmarked in the State budget for Pushkaralu-related works.

The Deputy CM also laid the foundation stone for construction of pushkar ghats at Dharmapuri at a cost of ₹22.16 crore and nine road works costing ₹58.55 crore at Dharmapuri and Kotilingala as part of Pushkaralu infrastructure development.