Minister Seethakka addressing the officials during a sanitation review meeting at Medaram on Sunday. Collector TS Divara is also seen (right).
Local MLA and Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka) on Sunday strongly refuted allegations of mismanagement during the Sammakka-Saralamma Maha Jatara, which was held from January 28 to 31, stating that a deliberate smear campaign was being spread on social media to malign her.
Speaking to reporters, the Minister alleged that certain groups had been attempting to create confusion ever since the temple development works began.
Admitting that traffic congestion occurred at a few stretches owing to an unusually large number of VIP vehicles, Ms. Seethakka clarified that special arrangements were made to ensure smooth traffic flow at the Gattamma temple near Mulugu town, which devotees traditionally visit before reaching the Medaram shrine.
“Many VIPs arrived with 30 to 40 vehicles, causing unavoidable jams. Still, we ensured smooth traffic movement on major routes. Devotees had darshan without difficulty, and the government regrets any inconvenience caused to a few,” she said, adding that no major accidents were reported this time due to strict monitoring and coordinated efforts by various departments.
The Minister, who also hails from the Koya tribal community, noted that the newly built permanent temple structures played a crucial role in managing the unprecedented turnout of devotees.
“Earlier, one to two lakh devotees visited per day until the day before the commencement of the Maha Jatara. But after the construction of the new temple, nearly eight lakh arrived on a single day,” she said and added that the surge was manageable because permanent infrastructure had replaced temporary arrangements, and drinking water and sanitation facilities were prepared well in advance.
Ms. Seethakka also thanked the priests for coordinating rituals smoothly and clarified that a minor issue involving new police personnel.
Sanitation services praised
At a review meeting with officials, Ms. Seethakka praised the sanitation workers for keeping the Jatara premises clean despite the massive footfall.
“Sanitation work remains crucial even after the fair. Roads, stall areas, accommodation zones and all surroundings must be cleaned completely before Medaram is handed back to the villagers,” she instructed.
She asked officials to continue field level monitoring and ensure that Medaram is restored to full cleanliness at the earliest.
The government deployed 5,000 sanitation workers, 526 supervisory staff, 100 tractors and 150 water tankers, marking a significant increase over the deployments in 2022 and 2024. Additionally, 40 Swachh Autos, 16 dozers, 13 sweeping machines and 12 earthmovers were pressed into service.
Published – February 01, 2026 07:17 pm IST
