Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced an ex gratia of ₹25 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic wall collapse at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam. The incident occurred around 2:30 AM during the Chandanotsavam festival, claiming eight lives and injuring four others.
As per an official release, the Chief Minister expressed deep shock over the incident and directed officials to provide immediate medical care to the injured. He also convened a teleconference with key ministers and the temple trustee to review the situation and assess the support being extended to the victims.
Naidu stated that thousands of devotees had gathered to witness the sacred Nija Rupam of the deity when heavy rain led to the collapse of a 20-foot-long makeshift structure near the queue line. He has formed a three-member committee to investigate the cause of the accident and instructed officials to remove debris promptly to avoid further inconvenience to devotees.
Along with financial compensation, Naidu also assured that one member from each deceased family will be given a job on an outsourcing basis in temples managed by the Endowments Department. The injured will receive ₹3 lakh each as assistance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed sorrow over the tragedy, announcing ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy offered his condolences and urged the government to ensure top-quality medical care for the injured. However, YSRCP leader Gowtham Reddy blamed the state administration for inadequate safety arrangements, claiming negligence led to the disaster. He drew comparisons to previous tragedies under Naidu’s tenure and warned the government against mismanaging sacred institutions.
Rescue operations by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are ongoing, while officials remain on high alert due to the influx of pilgrims for the temple festival.
