HYDERABAD, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA, August 4, 2005: The government is embarking on a major project to beautify the environs of ancient temples in the State. Around a dozen temples which attract thousands of pilgrims will be spruced up by the endowments department. Experts in landscaping and decoration would be roped in to give a fresh look to the temples, which include Simhachalam in Visakhapatnam district, Srisailam in Kurnool district and Bhadrachalam in Khammam.
Many of the age-old temples are located in hills and the daily passage of pilgrims back and forth has made the environs unhygienic and unkempt. Haphazard constructions have come around many temples spoiling their look. All this will be changed. The State government has asked the endowments department to submit a detailed estimate of the project. In the past, the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (Huda) took up beautification works at Gnana Saraswathi temple at Basar in Adilabad district. Regular landscaping is also taken up at the renowned Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala.