TUDA Moots Rs 50-Crore ‘Padmavathi Ghat’ on Swarnamukhi River
Tirupati: Weekly ‘Padmavathi Harathi’ may soon become a new ritual in Tiruchanoor with the Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA) proposing a special ‘Padmavathi Ghat’ along the Swarnamukhi river. The Rs 50-crore project aims to develop a structured riverfront to replace the temporary bathroom arrangements used during festival seasons.
Currently, lakhs take a holy dip in the ‘Padma Sarovaram’ during Panchami Theertham, the closing ceremony of Goddess Padmavathi’s Karthika Brahmotsavams. The tank often becomes overcrowded, leading to serious safety concerns. Officials say the current structure has become unsustainable given the increasing number of annual visitors.
A technical team, including a water expert from Rajahmundry, studied the proposed location and suggested design options for a permanent ghat on the banks of Swarnamukhi. The plan covers an area of 50 acres in the Tiruchanoor-Padipeta district, which is currently used as parkland. TUDA plans to develop it into a large ghat complex with designated bathing areas, access points and basic amenities.
A major challenge lies upstream, where untreated sewage from various settlements mixes with the river before reaching Tiruchanoor. TUDA officials said the ghat cannot be developed unless water quality is ensured. Civil society has been asked to install sewage treatment units at important discharge points.
To ensure adequate water supply during the pilgrimage season, the planning team has proposed 11 check dams upstream at an estimated cost of Rs 18 billion. These structures are expected to maintain storage levels even during dry periods.
TUDA president C. Divakar Reddy said revenue, survey, planning and other departments have jointly stepped in to avoid delays. He added that the initiative follows Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s instructions to improve pilgrim infrastructure in Tiruchanoor. “Once implemented, the project will provide a special riverside landmark for devotees,” he said.
