{
  "id": 15533368,
  "title": "Temple development works worth ₹2,500 crore under way across Telangana: Bhatti Vikramarka",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/temple-development-works-worth-2-500-crore-under-way-across-telangana",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T01:30:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/temple-development-works-worth-2500-crore-underway-across-telangana-bhatti-vikramarka/article71600272.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka announced that the State government is investing around ₹2,000 crore in temple development along the Godavari and riverbank areas in preparation for the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu. The project includes the construction of the Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy temple at a cost of ₹276 crore and the Sri Gnana Saraswati temple at Basar, which will receive ₹354 crore. These temple development works are part of a broader initiative across the State that is estimated to cost ₹2,500 crore. Speaking after laying the foundation stone for a ₹44 crore road at Nacharam village in Khammam district, Vikramarka emphasized that the road would improve devotee access and create employment opportunities for local youth. The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted various welfare initiatives undertaken by the Congress government, such as the distribution of fine rice to 1.06 crore families, free medical treatment through Rajiv Aarogyasri up to ₹10 lakh per family, and Rythu Bharosa assistance for 71 lakh farmers. Other initiatives include interest-free loans for women, social security pensions, free bus travel for women, and the construction of low-cost houses like Indiramma houses for the poor. The education sector is also being supported with a breakfast scheme for 27 lakh students in government schools and the establishment of Advanced Technology Centres and Young India Integrated Residential Schools in every Assembly constituency at an estimated cost of ₹200 crore. The government is also undertaking extensive road development works worth ₹90,000 crore and taking measures to ensure a stable power supply despite exceeding electricity demand of 20,000 MW. Addressing potential impacts of El Nino, Vikramarka urged people to conserve water and advised farmers to monitor groundwater levels and use agricultural pumps responsibly.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "₹2,500 crore invested in temple development across Telangana.",
    "Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy temple at ₹276 crore, Gnana Saraswati temple at Basar at ₹354 crore.",
    "Road project at Nacharam village aims to improve devotee access."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Massive investments in religious infrastructure and riverbank development signal the state government's strategy to boost local employment and improve pilgrim access ahead of major cultural festivals.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}