Hyderabad, August 30, 2026: Telangana Forest, Environment and Endowments Minister Konda Surekha on Saturday inaugurated the Special Officer’s Office for the Godavari Pushkaralu-2027 at Praja Bhavan, marking a key step in the state’s preparations for the mega religious event scheduled from June 26 to July 7, 2027.

The newly established office, located on the second floor of Praja Bhavan, will function as the central coordination hub for planning and executing Pushkar arrangements by bringing together various government departments, district administrations, local bodies, and the Endowments Department.

Following the inauguration, the Minister inspected the office sections and chaired a review meeting with Endowments Department officials to assess the progress of preparations.

Speaking on the occasion, Konda Surekha said the Telangana Government aims to make the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu a landmark event that showcases the state’s spiritual heritage, hospitality, culture and traditions to devotees from across the country.

“Godavari Pushkaralu should become synonymous with Telangana, just as Telangana becomes synonymous with Godavari Pushkaralu,” she said, adding that the arrangements are being made in accordance with the guidance of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.

The Minister said the coordination office would oversee the development of bathing ghats, sanitation, drinking water facilities, transport, traffic management, security, healthcare services, electricity supply and other essential infrastructure while continuously monitoring the progress of works.

She noted that the state government has already initiated comprehensive planning to ensure a safe, convenient and spiritually enriching experience for pilgrims. Appreciating the Chief Minister’s decision to allocate ₹1,000 crore for the event, she said the government is committed to conducting the festival on a grand scale, similar to the successful organisation of the Saraswati Pushkaralu and the Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara.

During the review, officials presented the comprehensive action plan for the Pushkaralu. Endowments Department Director Hanumantha Rao informed the Minister that construction of bathing ghats has already begun in selected locations along the Godavari river. Around 2 km of ghats are currently under construction in Tier-1 and Tier-2 areas, while the total ghat development across Tier-1, Tier-2 and Tier-3 locations will exceed 5 km.

Officials also informed the Minister that funds have been released for approach roads through the Roads & Buildings and Panchayat Raj Departments, while allocations have also been made for the Medical, Police and Tourism Departments. Tendering and fund releases are being carried out in phases.

Emphasising quality over speed, the Minister urged officials and contractors to ensure durable infrastructure that would serve future generations. Referring to a house in Nepal that reportedly withstood devastating floods while surrounding structures were washed away, she said it should serve as an example of the importance of quality construction.

She instructed officials to strengthen existing ghats, build new ones with long-term durability, install robust safety grills in areas with strong river currents, and provide adequate changing facilities for women pilgrims. She also directed all departments to work in close coordination and complete all arrangements well before the commencement of the festival.

The Minister further stressed that infrastructure created for the Pushkaralu should not be viewed as temporary but should contribute to the long-term development of temples and the Godavari riverfront in Telangana.

The programme was attended by Endowments Department Director Hanumantha Rao, RJC Ramakrishna Rao, DC Krishna Prasad, officials, engineers, architects, contractors and other department personnel. Priests and Vedic scholars welcomed the Minister with traditional Vedic chants upon her arrival at Praja Bhavan.