Godavari River Heritage Sites to Undergo Facelift for 2027 Pushkarams

Ahead of the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams, authorities are planning a significant facelift for heritage sites situated along the banks of the river. This once-in-12-years event is anticipated to attract approximately eight crore pilgrims and tourists, prompting efforts to enhance the visitor experience at key historical locations and museums.

What Happened

East Godavari District Collector Kirthi Chekuri and Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation (RMC) Commissioner Rahul Meena conducted an inspection on Friday of several heritage sites and museums. The sites visited included the residences of social reformer Kandukuri Veeresalingam and British irrigation engineer Sir Arthur Cotton in Dowleswaram. The Damerla Rama Rao Art Gallery and the Sir Arthur Cotton Museum were also among the inspected locations within the Godavari Delta Irrigation System complex.

During the inspection at the Sir Arthur Cotton Museum in Dowleswaram, concerns were raised regarding the dilapidated condition of certain building sections and inadequate maintenance. The Water Resources Department has been instructed to undertake renovations, with expectations of a large influx of foreign visitors to the museum during the Pushkarams.

Key Facts

• The 2027 Godavari Pushkarams are expected to draw at least eight crore visitors.
• Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation (RMC) and the Department of Museum and Archaeology are collaborating on a renovation plan.
• East Godavari District Collector Kirthi Chekuri and RMC Commissioner Rahul Meena inspected heritage sites on Friday.
• Inspected sites include residences of Kandukuri Veeresalingam and Sir Arthur Cotton, Damerla Rama Rao Art Gallery, and Sir Arthur Cotton Museum.
• The Sir Arthur Cotton Museum in Dowleswaram was noted to be in a dilapidated state in some areas.
• The Water Resources Department is directed to renovate the Sir Arthur Cotton Museum.
• A new building for the Rallabandi Subba Rao Museum in Rajamahendravaram city is under construction.
• Construction of the Rallabandi Subba Rao Museum began in September 2023 with ₹4 crore from the Ministry of Culture.
• The Rallabandi Subba Rao Museum houses nearly 1,600 artefacts and seven gold coins from the Eastern Chalukya period.
• RMC Commissioner Rahul Meena, Assistant Director K. Timmaraju, and Executive Engineers Anandababu and Ramesh are tasked with preparing the renovation plan.

Background

A comprehensive renovation and beautification plan is to be finalized and implemented before the 2027 Pushkarams commence. This initiative aims to improve visitor facilities and amenities at prime tourist attractions and heritage sites. Additionally, officials examined the ongoing construction of a new facility for the 64-year-old Rallabandi Subba Rao Museum. Construction of this museum started in September 2023, supported by ₹4 crore funding from the Ministry of Culture. The Rallabandi Subba Rao Museum is a repository for approximately 1,600 artifacts and seven gold coins dating back to the Eastern Chalukya period.