Pilgrims who came trekking to Srisailam, from within the State, Karnataka and Telangana, for Maha Sivaratri Brahmotsavams are complaining about lack of facilities. The pilgrims, who trekked about 70 kilometres, through forests, hills, and under a scorching sun, didn’t even have medical camps to treat wounds.
“We passed two medical camps, one of them did not have any medicines and the other was shut,” said B. Veeranjeneulu a pilgrim. He added that one private doctor has been disbursing painkillers and that he charged ₹60 per tablet. Water also seems to be lacking for the pilgrims, coupled with local businesses that are charging more than the MRP. “local shops are charging ₹40 per litre of water. There are a lot of poor people who trek through here and they are suffering because of high prices,” said K. Chandrasekhar, who is trekking for the fifth time.
Mr. Chandrasekhar added that three years ago, the facilities provided by the government were much better and that the government should strive to provide better services next year, in order to attract more pilgrims.
‘No sign boards’
The path to the temple is about 70 kilometres long and pilgrims have been trekking the lands without any direction boards and very little help from the officials. “There are a few people who got lost during their trek. Sign boards should be set up, so that the tough path does not become more tougher,” said J. Veeranna, a pilgrim.
‘Early summer’
Apart from this, numerous pilgrims have said that this year the heat was substantially higher than the usual. “Generally, it is considered that Maha Sivaratri heralds in summer season, but this time it seems summer came early. If the government could provide more tents in the future, the trek would be slightly better,” said a pilgrim.
The temple authorities must ensure that pilgrims are treated well. Blame is on both the government officials as well as temple authorities, said another pilgrim.