Tribal fete heartbeat of T, says Bhatti

Hyderabad: Deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Sunday said the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara is not merely a tribal festival, but the heartbeat of Telangana and a powerful symbol of the state's self-respect. He reviewed the arrangements at Medaram on Sunday, along with ministers D Sridhar Babu, Konda Surekha, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, D Seethakka, and Adluri Laxman, and offered prayers to goddesses. Addressing the media, Vikramarka said permanent structures are being built to showcase the uniqueness and cultural grandeur of the jatara to the world, ensuring that devotees face no inconvenience. He said the state govt is spending 260 crore this year on the arrangements, of which 150 crore is for conducting the jatara and 110 crore is for building a permanent temple. The previous govt had spent 75 crore to 100 crore on the jatara, he said. He said all aspects related to the tasks at hand and expenditure were reviewed at Medaram. About 85% of the arrangements are in place, he added, instructing officials to complete the remaining work by Jan 15.tnn