The grand Dasara Mahotsav celebrations on Indrakeeladri will commence from September 22. To ensure smooth conduct of the festivities, the Kanaka Durga temple authorities have finalized tenders worth around ₹4 crore and handed them over to contractors. Works worth ₹2.54 crore are being carried out at the foothills, while ₹1.50 crore is being spent on arrangements atop the hill. However, despite crores being spent every year, most of the structures remain temporary, leading to criticism about wastage of funds.

Major works include temporary queue lines, waterproof shamianas, sheds at bathing ghats, decorative lighting, and installation of sound systems. Specific allocations include ₹27.30 lakh for shamianas from Vinayaka temple to the ghat road, ₹7.30 lakh for repairing the Hamsa Vahanam, and ₹5.86 lakh for fireworks. On the hilltop, additional spending is directed towards queue lines, lighting, VIP vehicle arrangements, and painting works.

Interestingly, while most contracts were awarded at rates lower than the estimated value, the tender for temporary CCTV cameras was finalized at ₹7.91 lakh, which is 1.40% higher than the estimated ₹7.80 lakh. Critics point out that the lack of permanent infrastructure is forcing the temple to spend huge sums on temporary works year after year.

For devotees’ convenience, responsibilities like drinking water supply, temporary toilets, and luggage counters have been entrusted to the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC). The VMC will bear the expenses upfront and later submit bills to the temple authorities. Last year, nearly ₹2 crore was paid just for water bottles and packet supply, and the same practice is set to continue this year.