OUT TO PROVE A POINT: Chairman of Srisailam Trust Board Pesala Srinivasulu Setty (right) in Kurnool on Thursday.

KURNOOL: Chairman of the Srisailam Temple Trust Board P. Srinivasulu Setty on Thursday said the economy measures to reduce the cost and increase revenue at Srisailam had yielded the result. According to him, the Devastanam which incurred a loss of six paise on each laddu in the past was now making a profit of 40 paise.

Talking to reporters, Mr. Setty said the Devastanam revised the tender system and invited provisions from private agencies. The cost of provisions had come down drastically from 40 to 50 per cent.

Similarly, Devastanam could procure coconuts at Rs 4.11 per nut now as against Rs 7 in the past. Also, the coconuts with a circumference of 30 cm were accepted now.

Mr. Setty said the monopoly of AP Tourism was restricted by auctioning the 110-room Ganga and Gouri Sadan guest houses, which fetched Rs 4.01 lakhs per month as against Rs 2.25 lakhs in the past. The rent of shops was increased from Rs 950 per month to Rs 20,000 now through open auction.

New dormitory

The Devastanam introduced "seeghra darshan'' and ''ati seeghra darshan'' by charging Rs 30 and Rs 100 to enable devotees fast darshan. Mr. Srinivasulu Setty said a dormitory with a space for 4,000 pilgrims was being constructed at Srisailam with toilet and locker facilities. He said the proposal to goldplate two gopurams (towers), install brass enclosures and making of a silver chariot were under consideration. The Devastanam took up with the Forest Department to reduce the hours of highway closure through the Tiger sanctuary to minimise inconvenience to pilgrims. The Board requested the forest department to open the gates at 4 am in the early hours and allow the traffic till 11 pm, which is now closed at 9 pm.

Mr. Setty said to add to the spiritual atmosphere, chanting of ''sivanama smarana'' through mikes would be extended till the Sundipenta junction five km away. The forest officials were considering the request for laying a road to Ishta Kameswari temple near Sikharam.

Member D. Krishna Reddy was also present at the press meet.

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