Medaram:
Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu on Sunday said that the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara is not merely a tribal festival but the heartbeat of Telangana and a powerful symbol of the state’s self-respect. He stated that the government is determined to introduce the grandeur and uniqueness of the Jatara to the world.

The Deputy Chief Minister reviewed the Jatara arrangements at Medaram along with Ministers Sridhar Babu, Konda Surekha, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Seethakka, and Adluri Laxman. After inspecting the works, he spoke to the media and later offered prayers to the presiding goddesses.

Bhatti Vikramarka said the State Government is constructing permanent structures to ensure that devotees face no inconvenience and to highlight the cultural magnificence of the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara on a global platform. He revealed that ₹260 crore has been allocated this year for the Jatara arrangements, of which ₹150 crore is being spent on conducting the Jatara and ₹110 crore on permanent temple and infrastructure works.

He informed that all works and expenditure-related matters were reviewed on-site at Medaram itself and decisions were taken immediately. He said nearly 85 percent of the arrangements have already been completed and directed officials to ensure that the remaining works are finished by the 15th.

The Deputy Chief Minister further stated that the required funds have already been released and that bills for completed works are being cleared within 24 hours. He pointed out that while previous governments had allocated ₹75 crore to ₹100 crore for the Jatara, the present government has significantly enhanced the budget to ₹260 crore, reflecting its commitment to the historic festival.

He instructed officials from the Health, Electricity, and all other departments to remain on high alert until the completion of the Jatara and to treat the event with utmost seriousness, ensuring smooth arrangements and safety for lakhs of devotees expected to attend