The Telangana government has directed officials to prepare a comprehensive master plan for Mallur temple development at the Sri Hemachala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Mulugu district, with a focus on improving facilities for devotees without damaging the site’s forest ecosystem.
State minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka issued the direction during a visit to the temple in Mangapet mandal on Thursday. She was accompanied by Mulugu district collector Borkhade Hemant Sahadeo and reviewed proposed development works and the draft planning requirements with officials.
The minister said the temple’s dense forests, centuries-old trees, natural water sources and surrounding environment were valuable assets that needed to be protected. She directed officials to ensure that construction and other development works did not damage the natural ecosystem around the religious site.
The proposed master plan is expected to address the infrastructure pressures that could arise from an increase in the number of devotees. Seethakka asked officials to prioritise drinking water, sanitation, resting areas, parking, access roads, accommodation and a Kalyana Mandapam as part of the development process.
The directions place basic visitor services alongside environmental protection in the proposed planning framework. At the site, infrastructure such as roads, parking and accommodation will need to support pilgrim movement while remaining compatible with the temple’s forested setting, according to the minister’s instructions.
Seethakka also suggested installing sculptures and idols depicting the temple’s history, mythology and religious significance. These features would form part of the visitor environment and interpretive character envisaged for the temple complex.
Preparations for the Godavari Pushkaralu were also discussed during the review. The minister directed officials to give priority to expanding the temple mandapam ahead of the event, when the site is expected to see increased devotee movement.
The proposed works will therefore involve both immediate visitor needs and longer-term planning for the temple precinct. The direction covers civic facilities, access and accommodation, as well as the preservation of natural features identified by the minister as central to the site’s value.
Later, Seethakka and the district collector performed a bhoomi puja for the construction of a new cowshed at the temple. Further details on the master plan, including its estimated cost, implementing agencies, construction schedule and environmental safeguards, were not provided in the announcement.
