Collector A. Mallikarjuna said that four to five lakh people are likely to attend the Giri Pradakshina festival. He said that steps are being taken to provide all facilities to the devotees.
He said that several inspections have been conducted by the police, GVMC and officials of Simhachalam Devasthanam at key points of the Giri Pradakshina Marg. He said that locations have been identified for setting up drinking water kiosks, medical camps and toilets.
The Collector appealed to the devotees to wear masks and be prepared for the possibility of rain in view of the situation of Kovid-19.
Police Commissioner Ch. Srikkanth said security would be tightened for the festival and over 2,000 personnel would take part in settlement duties along the way.
“In coordination with other departments, we are deploying rescue teams and expert swimmers at the beach where devotees will take a holy dip. We are requesting the devotees not to go too deep into the sea,” said Sri Srikkanth.