Hyderabad, January 24: Emphasising the spiritual and cultural importance of the 400-year-old Jan Pahad Dargah, Irrigation & Civil Supplies Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy described the shrine as a symbol of communal harmony attracting devotees from across Telangana and neighbouring states.
Minister Uttam attended the Urs festivities at Dargah of Hazrath Sayyad Mohiuddin Shaheed and Hazrath Sayyad Jan Paak Shaheed, popularly known as Jan Pahad Saidulu Dargah, in Palakeedu mandal, Huzurnagar constituency, on Friday. As part of the ‘sandal’ ceremony, the minister carried sandalwood paste in a traditional procession from Sandal Khana to the Dargah, where it was ceremoniously offered.
Uttam Kumar Reddy recalled his efforts to allocate special funds for the Dargah’s development during his ministerial tenure in united Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. He assured devotees that the government remains committed to further improving infrastructure. Plans include widening roads connecting Nereducharla to Jaanapahad, Damarcharla to Jaanapahad, and Mattampalli to Jaanapahad.
The minister highlighted that basic facilities have already been established for pilgrims but added that enhancements are necessary given the growing number of visitors from both Telugu states. He pledged continuous efforts to ensure a seamless experience for devotees.
Minister Uttam reiterated the cultural and spiritual significance of Jan Pahad Dargah and promised to allocate more resources for its development.
Uttam Kumar Reddy also announced a series of developmental projects for Jan Pahad and nearby regions,aimed at improving infrastructure and boosting the living standards of local residents. He shared plans to enhance the capacity of Jan Pahad’s Jawahar Lift Irrigation Scheme from 5,650 acres to 10,000 acres, doubling its reach to benefit more farmers.
Calling the residents of Huzurnagar constituency, which he represents as MLA, and Kodad constituency, which his wife Padmavathi Reddy represents as MLA, his family members, he stressed that they would ensure every effort is made to bring development to even the remotest areas.
Among the key projects announced was the construction of the Jan Pahad High-Level Bridge at a cost of Rs 3.90 crore. The Bette Thanda Lift Irrigation Scheme has been allocated Rs 33 crore, along with Rs 7.5 crore for a check dam at the same location. To improve connectivity, Rs 3.5 crore has been sanctioned for a Panchayati Raj road from Bette Thanda to Shunyapahad, while Rs 30 crore has been allocated for a double road from Garidepalli to Alingapur via Mathampalli. Additional road projects include Rs 2 crore for a double road between Palakeedu and Alingapur, Rs 1.8 crore for a road from the Moosi riverbank to Singaram, and Rs 1 crore each for metal roads connecting Raghavapuram to the Alingapur Lift Irrigation Scheme and Jan Pahad to the Jan Pahad Jawahar Lift Irrigation Scheme.
The minister also announced Rs 7.8 crore for setting up a new Tehsildar office, MPDO office, and police station in the Palakeedu mandal headquarters. To enhance healthcare services, Rs 1.4 crore has been allocated for constructing a Primary Health Centre. Additionally, Rs 5 crore will be used for building CC roads and drainage systems in 22 gram panchayats, while Rs 61 lakh has been set aside to address drinking water issues across the mandal.
Uttam Kumar Reddy expressed his hope that these projects would significantly enhance the region’s infrastructure and improve the quality of life for its residents. He called on the people to actively participate in these developmental efforts and to support the Congress government’s initiatives aimed at fostering progress and sustainability.
He reaffirmed the Congress government’s resolve to focus on inclusive growth, ensuring that essential infrastructure and services reach even the most remote areas of the state. (eom)
