TRINET NEWS, 25 AUGUST 2026, AMARAVATI:
The state government has accelerated preparations for the prestigious Godavari Pushkaralu in Andhra Pradesh. State Minister Satya Kumar reviewed arrangements related to Pushkaralu preparations, facilities for devotees, security measures, transportation systems, sanitation, and medical services.
Since millions of devotees are expected to throng the banks of the Godavari River during the Pushkaralu, he directed all departments to work in coordination. During the review meeting, officials from various government departments explained the arrangements made so far and the future action plan. The Minister advised completing the works with advance planning, leaving no room for lapses in the conduct of Pushkaralu. He instructed officials to examine every aspect at the field level and take action so that devotees do not face any difficulties.
The Minister noted that Godavari Pushkaralu is a sacred event associated with the faith of crores of Hindu devotees. Since devotees are likely to arrive from various states across the country, he said arrangements should be of international standards. He stated that the government's primary goal is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for every devotee coming for the holy bath.
Minister Satya Kumar ordered special security measures to be undertaken at the Pushkar Ghats. The safety of devotees coming for the bath in the river is of utmost importance, and he suggested deploying special personnel to prevent accidents. He stated that plans should be formulated to ensure expert swimmers, rescue teams, and emergency medical staff are continuously available.
The Minister suggested providing necessary basic amenities at every Pushkar Ghat. He instructed officials to ensure the availability of drinking water, toilets, rest areas, changing rooms, and special facilities for women. He stated that special arrangements should be made for the elderly, differently-abled, and children.
The Minister emphasized giving top priority to sanitation. He stated that since millions of devotees are likely to gather in one area, a special action plan for garbage management is necessary. He suggested cleaning the Pushkar Ghats, surrounding areas, roads, and places frequented by the public from time to time. He ordered the appointment of special teams to continuously monitor cleanliness.
Traffic management is crucial during Pushkaralu, the Minister noted. He requested the concerned departments to formulate a special transportation plan in accordance with the movement of devotees. He suggested identifying alternative routes to reduce traffic congestion on roads leading to the main ghats. He said that special parking areas should be set up wherever necessary.
Minister Satya Kumar ordered that special priority be given to medical services. He suggested setting up medical camps at every important ghat during the Pushkaralu and keeping ambulances available. He stated that medical teams should be kept ready to respond immediately in emergency situations. He requested that special services be provided to the elderly, children, and other devotees requiring emergency medical assistance.
The meeting also discussed setting up a more efficient information dissemination system for devotees. It was suggested to put up clear signboards on aspects such as Pushkar Ghats, transport routes, parking areas, medical services, and help desks for missing persons. Officials plan to make a multilingual information system available wherever necessary.
The Minister emphasized that the police, revenue, endowments, municipal, medical, transport, and fire departments must work in mutual coordination. Directing that responsibility should not be left to a single department, he ordered every department to complete their assigned tasks within the stipulated deadline. The Minister also suggested setting up special help desks to receive suggestions and complaints from the public during Pushkaralu. He stated that special teams should work to provide immediate assistance to missing children, the elderly, and other devotees.
The Minister stated that preserving the sanctity of the Godavari River is also everyone's responsibility. He appealed to the devotees to maintain cleanliness during Pushkaralu and cooperate by not polluting the river. He instructed officials to take special measures to reduce the use of plastic.
Overall, Minister Satya Kumar clarified that the government's goal is to organize the Godavari Pushkaralu on a grand and safe scale, without causing any inconvenience to the devotees. He directed officials to make the Godavari Pushkaralu a success through advance planning, inter-departmental coordination, and robust security measures.
