FGG Flags Rs 1,108-Cr Omkareshwara Temple Project, Seeks Review Over Financial Strain

PROPERTY PULSE

Hyderabad: The proposed ₹1,108.27-crore development of Sri Omkareshwara Swamy Temple near Machirevula village in Gandipet mandal near Hyderabad has drawn objections over the allocation of public funds, with concerns raised about the State's financial position and the need to prioritise healthcare, education and infrastructure.

In a representation, the Forum for Good Governance (FGG) urged the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (MRDCL) to reconsider the proposal and keep the development works on hold. The government had accorded administrative sanction through G.O. Rt. No. 928, dated October 7, 2026, subject to approval by the MRDCL Board of Directors.

Citing other religious projects, the forum pointed out that the government had announced ₹1,000 crore for the Godavari Pushkaralu, scheduled to begin in July 2027, with a portion of the funds already released. It also referred to announcements by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka regarding ₹2,000 crore for temple development along the Godavari, ₹276 crore for Bhadrachalam Temple and ₹354 crore for Sri Gnana Saraswati Temple at Basar.

Nearly ₹800 crore has already been spent on the Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara, while another ₹1,108.27 crore has been proposed for the Omkareshwara Temple complex. These allocations prompted the forum to question the scale of public spending on religious activities.

Representatives of the forum argued that such allocations were difficult to justify when the State was facing financial difficulties and essential sectors needed greater financial support. Describing the proposal as a misplaced priority, the forum asked the MRDCL Board to reconsider the sanction before taking up the works.

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