Nearly 3 crore devotees expected at Medaram Jatara

The Telangana government is gearing up for the Sammakka-Sarakka (Saralamma) Medaram Maha Jatara, scheduled from January 28 to 31, anticipating a footfall of nearly three crore devotees. Officials have been directed to work in close coordination to ensure seamless arrangements and avoid inconvenience to pilgrims.

At a high-level review meeting held at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Secretariat on Tuesday, Minister for SC and ST Welfare Adluri Laxman Kumar said the turnout this year is expected to surpass the 1.5 crore devotees who attended the 2024 Jatara, owing to large-scale preparations. He directed the officials to ensure that there are no lapses in arrangements, reflecting efficient governance and respect for tribal traditions.

The Minister stated that the government has accorded top priority to the event, allocating funds for roads, security, transport, sanitation, and healthcare facilities. He instructed officials to install clear signage on highways and internal routes, strengthen traffic regulation, and implement diversions and one-way systems to ease congestion.

With devotees expected from Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and other States, officials were told to expand transport, parking, and accommodation facilities, ensuring equal access for all pilgrims.

Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka) stressed the need for smooth darshan for every devotee and said a State-level WhatsApp coordination group involving departmental heads will be formed for real-time monitoring. Additional toilets, drinking water points, and security measures will be set up across the festival area.

The administration is preparing for a peak footfall of up to 40 lakh devotees per day, particularly on Thursday and Friday. Seethakka noted that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who has been visiting Medaram since 2010, has sanctioned ₹251 crore funds for long-term development of the region.

Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao suggested using drones for traffic monitoring, developing a mobile app or QR code system for disseminating information, and maintaining strict sanitation standards at parking areas. Departments were asked to submit daily progress reports.

During the meeting, Mulugu District Collector T.S. Divakara presented a detailed progress report. The ministers and Chief Secretary also unveiled a special logo, mobile app, and promotional videos prepared by the district administration for the Jatara.