Massive Security and Infrastructure Plans Set for Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha confirmed 2,700 police will manage the 32-km religious trek in Visakhapatnam. The government ordered 221 schools closed to accommodate the expected five lakh devotees.
Logistics and Civil Order for the Annual Trek
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha announced a comprehensive security and administrative strategy for the upcoming Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Giri Pradakshina on July 28. Following a review with District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore and Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi, officials expect a turnout of over five lakh participants for the 32-km circumambulation of Simhagiri. To maintain public safety, 2,700 police personnel will be on duty, and 221 schools located in the Gopalapatnam, Chinnagadili, Seethammadhara, and Pendurthi mandals will observe a holiday on the event day.
Devotee Support Systems and Medical Oversight
The state has mobilized 5,000 employees from multiple departments to facilitate the trek. Infrastructure plans include:
- Crowd Control: Installation of 120 iron barricades and 50 dedicated queue lines at the Tholi Pavancha starting point.
- Health and Safety: Deployment of 31 medical camps, 22 ambulances, and specialized mobile health teams stationed along the route and the hill steps through July 29.
- Help Centers: 28 assistance hubs featuring lighting, public address systems, and essential carpets for resting.
- Coordination Hubs: Seven control rooms located at key junctions including Adavivaram, Hanumanthawaka, and the NSTL Gate.
Sanitation and Transportation Infrastructure
Authorities have focused on maintaining hygiene and hydration throughout the 32-km path. To manage waste from distributed food like pulihora and buttermilk, dedicated sanitation teams will clear debris instantly. Provisioning includes 115 water points with packaged supplies and 595 temporary toilets to augment existing permanent facilities. At the Appughar and Jodugullapalem beaches where ritual dips occur, the fisheries department has assigned 90 expert swimmers working three shifts to prevent drownings.
Transport services will see a significant increase, with APSRTC buses running from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the day of the event. On July 29, 50 free shuttle buses will operate between the hilltop and foothill from pre-dawn until 1 p.m. to assist returning pilgrims. While the general trek begins in the early morning of July 28, the official deity chariot is scheduled to depart Tholi Pavancha at 2 p.m.
Source: The Hindu — Cities
