Ahead of the annual 'Giri Pradakshina' of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, at Simhachalam scheduled for July 28 and 29, District Collector Abhishikth Kishore and Simhachalam Devasthanam Executive Officer, J Venkat Rao conducted a detailed field inspection of the 32-km circumambulation route to discuss about the arrangements on Friday.

With lakhs of devotees expected to participate in the ritual like every year, the district administration has already started the preparations. Key locations such Tholi Pavancha, Adavivaram, Hanumanthawaka, Appughar, Madhavadhara and a few other areas, where heavy pilgrim footfall is anticipated were inspected.

The Collector asked the authorities to ensure all facilities are in place at the Tholi Pavancha, from where devotees will begin the trek after breaking coconuts.

Reviewing the arrangements, the Collector instructed officials to draw up a comprehensive plan based on previous year's experience to ensure the smooth conduct of the ritual. He stressed the need to accord top priority to devotees safety and asked officials to work in close coordination with the police for effective traffic regulation and crowd management.

He also directed the authorities to install adequate directional signboards along the route and establish special assistance centres for children, senior citizens and other vulnerable devotees. Officials directed to ensure pilgrims do not face any inconvenience during the two-day event.

Arrangements for drinking water and buttermilk distribution centres, temporary shelters, mobile toilets, medical camps and sanitation facilities all along the route were also reviewed. Senior officials would be deployed at important locations to monitor the arrangements.

GVMC Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Naresh, Additional Commissioner Satyaveni, Chief Engineer Satyanarayana Rao and Gopalapatnam Police Station, Inspector Sanyasi Naidu and others were present.