Vijayawada municipal corporation boosts water and sanitation on Indrakeeladi for Navaratri

Navaratri celebrations on Indrakeeladi hill

The annual Navaratri festival has turned Indrakeeladi, the hill that houses the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Temple, into a bustling pilgrimage hub. Hundreds of devotees queue each day, moving along Canal Road, the Tollgate and the Head Water Works area. To prevent any disruption, the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) stepped in early this week.

Water supply on war‑footing

VMC officials, led by senior engineers, inspected the three critical zones – Canal Road, Tollgate and the Head Water Works – on 12 October 2026. At the temple management’s request, the corporation activated a ‘war‑footing’ protocol that keeps drinking water flowing without the need for pilgrim prompts. Special stock points have been placed along the queue lines; volunteers hand out water proactively, refilling the points before reserves run low. Continuous monitoring of the supply ensures that the flow stays steady throughout the festivities.

Sanitation and pilgrim amenities

Sanitation received equal focus. Teams are clearing waste from the main movement routes, queue lanes and around the water‑stock points as soon as it appears. Temporary toilet blocks, erected by VMC, are being cleaned several times a day, reducing the risk of unhygienic conditions. In addition, free luggage and footwear safekeeping centres have been set up under round‑the‑clock supervision, giving pilgrims a secure place to store belongings while they participate in the rituals.

What’s next for the festival

The corporation says it will keep the water and sanitation network under close watch until the Navaratri celebrations conclude. Officials have pledged to respond instantly to any unexpected surge in pilgrim numbers, reinforcing supply lines and deploying extra cleaning crews if needed. By combining infrastructure readiness with on‑ground supervision, VMC aims to showcase Vijayawada’s capability to manage large‑scale religious events without compromising public health or convenience.

Community response

Temple devotees have welcomed the measures, noting the ease of accessing clean water and the cleanliness of the temporary facilities. Local residents along Canal Road also reported smoother traffic flow, thanks to the organised queue‑management points.

Overall, the proactive steps taken by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation reflect the city’s broader commitment to delivering reliable civic services during major cultural gatherings, reinforcing its reputation as a well‑governed urban centre.