The process of expanding the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam, gathered momentum, as senior officials held a joint review meeting on Thursday with residents likely to be affected by the proposed land acquisition.

The proposed expansion aims to upgrade infrastructure and facilities for the growing number of devotees visiting the famous hill shrine each year.

Temple Cchairman Borra Radhakrishna, Executive Officer V.K. Seena Naik, Vijayawada Revenue Divisional Officer Vennela Srinu, officials from the Endowments Department and representatives of the Roads and Buildings Department attended the meeting.

Officials explained the preliminary land acquisition plan, under which five houses on Arjuna Street, 12 houses in Mallikarjunapeta near the northern steps leading to the temple, and five houses located on the hilltop portion of Mallikarjunapeta are likely to be affected.

Residents and property owners who had received prior intimation regarding the proposed acquisition attended the meeting and shared their views, concerns and expectations with the officials. The interaction provided an opportunity for affected families to directly present their requests and seek clarity on the rehabilitation and compensation process.

Speaking on the occasion, the Executive Officer assured residents that the expansion project would be implemented in accordance with legal provisions and that every effort would be made to ensure that no injustice was caused to displaced families.

He said the authorities would soon undertake a joint field inspection of the identified locations to assess the ground situation and gather additional inputs from stakeholders. Based on the findings of the inspection and discussions with residents, a comprehensive report would be prepared and submitted to the Endowments Commissioner for further action.