Authorities in the Kurnool district are making extensive preparations to ensure the peaceful conduct of the annual ‘karrela samaram’, widely known as the Banni festival. Scheduled for Dasara day on October 2nd at Devaragattu, this vibrant but often intense festival sees participants from four villages fiercely competing for possession of the Mala Malleswara Swamy deities. This traditional clash has unfortunately led to numerous injuries, and at times, even fatalities among villagers in the past.
In a proactive move, District Collector A. Siri and Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil recently met with residents from Neraniki, Neraniki Tanda, Kothapet, and Devaragattu. They strongly urged the communities to celebrate the festival peacefully, emphasizing the collective responsibility for safety.
Dr. Siri assured villagers that all necessary amenities would be provided. She directed officials from the Panchayat Raj and Roads and Buildings departments to expedite road repairs leading to Neraniki and Devaragattu. Furthermore, she mandated uninterrupted power supply and the provision of backup generators. Panchayat officials were also tasked with ensuring excellent sanitation standards throughout the villages during the festivities.
To bolster security, Dr. Siri instructed the police to install 100 CCTVs for comprehensive monitoring. The medical response will be significantly enhanced with four Advance Life Support ambulances on standby and a temporary 20-bed hospital, fully staffed with doctors and medical personnel. The District Medical and Health Officer is also setting up an additional medical camp at the site.
Beyond medical and surveillance measures, strict steps are being taken to curb the flow of alcohol on the festival day, and fire tenders will be kept ready for any emergencies. Adequate lighting and public address systems are also being arranged to manage crowds and communicate important announcements effectively.
Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil outlined further security protocols, including the erection of barricades and the pre-emptive seizure of traditional sticks fitted with metal rings used during the festival. In addition to the extensive CCTV network, ten advanced drones will provide aerial surveillance, offering an unprecedented level of monitoring to prevent untoward incidents.