State government will protect temple lands: Minister

Rajamahendravaram: Minister for Endowments Vellampalli Srinivasa Rao said that the State government is very much keen on protecting temple lands and its other properties and also decided to take back the encroached lands. Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy is very much particular in this regard, he said.

Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, he said officials of the department were directed to obtain information in this regard as early as possible. Steps will be taken to enhance security at important temples in the State and the government is also taking care about the welfare of archakas working in the temples, he averred. The officials were also directed to supervise proper implementation of various rituals in the respective temples.

He said new trust boards will be set up for the temples shortly. MP Margani Bharat Ram said that pressure will be exerted on the Union government to provide international status to Rajahmmundry airport and also to increase flight operations to various metros in the country as the air traffic is increasing from the airport, he said. YSRCP leaders Routhu Suryaprakasa Rao, S S Manyam, N Srinivas, MS Reddy, N Ramana and others were present.