The TDP-led NDA coalition government is preparing to present a comprehensive development plan for the Srisailam temple area to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The state government aims to communicate directly with Prime Minister —who is scheduled to visit the Sri Bhramarambika Malleswara Swamy Devasthanam in Srisailam on the 16th of this month—regarding the necessity of implementing the master plan and to secure the requisite permissions.
The proposed development plan has been structured so as not to adversely affect the wildlife sanctuaries located in the vicinity of the temple. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan are personally preparing to explain to the Prime Minister that, contingent upon the acquisition of the relevant central forest permits, development similar to that undertaken at Sabarimala (also situated in a dense forest area) would be feasible.
Jyotirlinga & Shakti Peetha
Srisailam, where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are venerated as Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy, is recognized as both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetham. Official sources indicate that the temple receives an average of 30,000 devotees per week during regular periods, while attendance during festivals such as Shivaratri and the Karthika month increases into the hundreds of thousands.
Nallamala Forest Protection
Beyond the religious significance, the surrounding Nallamala forest—spanning both Telugu states—and the Krishna River, which courses through the Srisailam reservoir, attract significant numbers of tourists each year. Nevertheless, as the area is designated as a sanctuary and tiger reserve, development of the Srisailam temple area to accommodate increasing visitor numbers has proven challenging.
In this context, a master plan was previously prepared to address future needs for the Srisailam temple area, which identified approximately 2,000 hectares of forest land surrounding the temple as necessary for the plan’s implementation. Given the area's status as a wildlife sanctuary, and lacking the needed permissions from the Central Forest, Environment, and Climate departments, the plan was set aside. The current coalition government has now renewed its focus on this issue.
In accordance with government directives, the district administration began drafting a blueprint for the development of Srisailam town in April of this year. A report was also produced regarding the acquisition of nearly 800 acres from revenue and agricultural lands. Leaders of the coalition government have resolved to advocate strongly for the master plan during Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to Srisailam on the 16th.
Last week, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu convened a review meeting with relevant officials; Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who oversees the Forest Department, participated online. During the review, officials emphasized that central forest permissions are essential for providing accommodation and vehicle parking facilities to meet the rising influx of devotees. They also underscored that such permissions are required for the expansion of roads connecting the temple from the Doranala, Sunnipenta, and Domalapenta national highway areas.
Focus on Environment Clearance
Following these discussions, Chandrababu Naidu instructed officials to prepare and submit updated reports to the Central Ministry of Forest, Environment, and Climate, addressing the necessary permissions for transferring the required forest lands to the Endowments Department. Pawan Kalyan suggested that the Sabarimala temple—an example of responsible development within a dense forest—should serve as a model, and recommended that a detailed study be conducted.
The meeting concluded with the decision to ensure that Prime Minister Modi is thoroughly informed that the master plan will not negatively impact the forest environment, particularly regarding wildlife conservation. Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan, who will accompany Prime Minister Modi during his visit to Srisailam, are preparing to explain the urgency and necessity of implementing the master plan. Arrangements are being made for a direct presentation to the Prime Minister. Official sources express optimism that, contingent upon a favourable response, the necessary permissions will be forthcoming, and implementation of the Srisailam temple master plan can commence. In any event, endorsement from Prime Minister Modi for this long-stalled project is anticipated to be a significant turning point.
