Hyderabad: Minister for Energy and Mines Dr. G. Vivek Venkataswamy laid the foundation stone for a Pushkar Ghat in Chennur on Tuesday.
The project forms part of preparations for the Godavari Pushkaralu-2027. The government sanctioned about ₹70 crore for development works in Chennur.
Vivek said the government was developing ghats, roads and basic facilities for devotees. He said the works would help visitors during the major religious event.
The new modern bathing ghats will cost ₹8 crore. About one lakh devotees are expected to visit Chennur during the 2027 Godavari Pushkaralu.
The Minister said the ghat would include facilities needed to accommodate the expected visitors. He also said the state government allocated ₹1,000 crore for the Godavari Pushkaralu across Telangana.
Major pilgrimage centres such as Kaleshwaram and Dharmapuri received funds under the Tier-1 category. However, Vivek said he requested Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to give special priority to Chennur.
Following the request, the government sanctioned about ₹70 crore for Chennur development. The package covers the Pushkar Ghat and several supporting infrastructure projects.
Vivek said major roads in Chennur would also undergo development. The government allocated ₹3 crore for the road connecting the 10th Ward with the Pushkar Ghat.
Another ₹5.5 crore was allocated for road widening, CC roads and central lighting works in Chennur town.
The Minister also said the government would support small traders affected by road widening. He said ₹1.20 crore from DMFT funds was sanctioned to build 20 shops.
The tender process for the shops will be completed soon. Construction work will begin after the process concludes.
Chennur Pushkaralu works expand tourism facilities
The Chennur Pushkaralu plans also include tourism and temple development. The government sanctioned ₹17 crore to develop the Shiva temple in Chennur as a major tourist destination.
Officials are also planning to develop the Crocodile Park as a tourist attraction. The proposals include guest houses and other necessary visitor facilities.
Vivek said the broader goal was to transform Chennur into a modern urban centre. Alongside the Pushkaram works, development projects worth about ₹30 crore are underway under the AMRUT scheme.
The Minister also announced plans to open the 100-bed hospital in Chennur this month. He said the inauguration would likely take place on October 1 or 2.
Vivek said the government remained committed to making Chennur a model town. The development plan combines Pushkaralu infrastructure with roads, tourism facilities and urban projects.
