The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has made elaborate arrangements for the annual Giri Pradakshina, scheduled to be held on July 28, 2026. With an estimated five to six lakh devotees expected to participate in the 32-km circumambulation of the Simhachalam hill, the civic body has stepped up preparations to ensure a safe and hassle-free pilgrimage.

Special emphasis has been laid on the provision of uninterrupted drinking water supply, enhanced street lighting, temporary toilets, CCTV surveillance, sanitation, and medical camps along the Pradakshina route.

While devotees are expected to begin the Giri Pradakshina from Tholi Pavancha on July 28 in the early morning, the chariot of Lord Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy will commence its journey from Tholi Pavancha at 2 p.m.

Arrangements in place

Water Supply Department officials will set up 114 drinking water distribution points along the route. A total of 16,390 20-litre water cans for drinking purpose will be supplied. Water will also be supplied to toilets through 38 water tankers.

The Public Health Department will arrange 1,171 waste collection bins comprising 170 compactor bins, 42 dumper bins, and 958 bamboo, and 60-litre bins. A fleet of 98 vehicles, including 22 tippers, two JCBs, four Bobcats, eight Tata Ace vehicles, and 62 e-autos, will be deployed for waste transportation across the stretch.

A total of 727 toilets are being arranged, including 137 permanent toilets, 583 temporary toilets, and seven mobile toilets. For sanitation management, 3,033 workers will be deployed, including 1,436 regular GVMC sanitation workers and an additional 1,597 workers. Two 60-litre dustbins have been placed every 50 metres along the walking route, while one compactor bin is being positioned every 500 metres. Three waste collection vehicles are being allotted to each zone for 24-hour garbage clearance, and one sanitation worker has been posted for every two temporary toilets. One sanitation worker will be stationed for every 50 metres along the route. Round-the-clock sanitation operations will continue on July 28 and 29 to maintain cleanliness throughout the event.

The Electrical Department will ensure illumination of the entire route by ensuring 3,163 existing street-lights remain functional. These include 1,759 lights in the East Zone from Adavivaram to the YSR Statue via Hanumanthawaka and HP Colony alone. In addition, 1,364 temporary 200-watt lights and 16 LED floodlights at jumbo towers are being installed. All electrical works are expected to be completed by July 25.

Meanwhile, the GVMC has asked all the NGOs, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), and organisations to ensure they use only eco-friendly materials while offering prasadams and drinking water, to ensure the annual ritual is organised in a complete plastic-free manner.

Published - July 26, 2026 07:20 pm IST