KURNOOL: A high-level meeting was held here on Tuesday to review the arrangements for Sivaratri festival at Srisailam between February 9 and 19, which falls on February 16.

Collector M. Dana Kishore, Chairman of Srisailam Devastanam P. Srinivasulu Setty, SP B. Malla Reddy, Temple Executive Officer Harijawahar, Joint Collector Ramsankar Naik and others were present.

The officials were worried about the shortage of water on the main festival day when the rush peaked to over 3 lakh people.

The EO said about 5 lakh pilgrims were expected this year.

Water problem

Around 8 lakh gallons of water were required to ensure supply for 55,000 pilgrims but the pumping capacity and pipelines were only sufficient for four lakh gallons. The temple officials told the meeting that the supply could be augmented by two lakh gallons, while the remaining two lakh gallon shortage would remain.

The meeting decided to instruct the choultry authorities to store water two days before so that eight lakh gallons would be available.

The meeting also felt that the present sanitation arrangements were only for a crowd of 30,000, which needed to be stepped up to cater to 1.20 people.

Very little could be done with regard to accommodation, as 350 cottages would offer accommodation only for 25,000 pilgrims.

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