Date:23/09/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/23/stories/2004092305790500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

MSR visits proposed site for Mandapam

By Our Staff Reporter

TIRUMALA, SEPT. 22. In a bid to bring down the curtains on the controversy regarding the construction of the `Mahaprakaram,' vis-a-vis the implementation of the master plan, reconstruction of the dismantled thousand-pillar Mandapam, the Minister for Endowments, M. Satyanarayana Rao, today went around the temple town and inspected the areas.

The Minister, accompanied by the Tirumala JEO, A.V.Dharma Reddy, chief engineer Srinivasa Murthy and other TTD officials first reached the dismantled site of the thousand-pillar Mandapam, where the engineering officials briefed him on the `need' and circumstances that led to the demolition of the structure. They also briefed him regarding various developmental works in progress, including the widening of the four Mada streets.

Panel for reconstruction

Later, the Minister went round the four Mada streets where the TTD had acquired all the private properties by way of implementing the Land Acquisition Act. In the course of his inspection, Mr Rao also visited the proposed site earmarked for the reconstruction of the thousand-pillar Mandapam at the PPC sheds behind the Varahaswamy temple.

Later talking to mediapersons after his hour-long visit, Mr Rao said that the committee, which would be formed with the former TTD executive officers, intellectuals and prominent personalities as members, would discuss the Mandapam issue at length, before arriving at a final conclusion.

Assures action

Asked about the encroachments of the Hathiramji Mutt lands allegedly by bigwigs of several political parties, including the ruling party leaders, Mr Rao said that action would be initiated against everybody, irrespective of the political parties to which they belonged. The TTD Board member, S.Ganesh Reddy, also participated in the inspections.