President Droupadi Murmu will visit Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri on October 14 during the Dasara Navarathri Utsavams and perform special pujas.

The President will participate in the National Saras Mela at Punnami Ghat on October 15. The mela will be held on the banks of the Krishna coinciding with the Dasara festivities, NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha said.

Mr. Lakshmisha reviewed arrangements for the President’s two-day visit atop Indrakeeladri on Saturday along with Police Commissioner S.V. Rajashekar Babu, Vijayawada Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dhyanachandra H.M. and other officials.

The officials directed the Endowments, VMC, APTransco, Medical and Health and other departments to make foolproof arrangements at the bathing ghats, queue lines, ‘kesakandana shala’ and holding points.

“Instructions have been given to provide safe drinking water, maintain sanitation and ensure medical and other facilities for devotees visiting the temple during the utsavams,” Mr. Lakshmisha said.

Mr. Dhyanachandra said adequate staff would be deployed round-the-clock to maintain cleanliness on the temple premises and at the bathing ghats.

Mr. Rajashekar Babu said 22 parking areas would be arranged and 3,500 police personnel deployed for the Dasara Utsavams.

“Police will monitor the crowd and security atop Indrakeeladri and along the queue lines using technology. Pickets will also be arranged at various points,” he said.

Temple Executive Officer V.K. Seena Naik said arrangements were being made to ensure hassle-free darshan for devotees during the utsavams.

“The temple will be decked up for the festival and special pujas will be performed during the utsavams,” he said.