2,700 police deployed for Giri Pradakshina; Minister announces closure of 221 schools on July 28
Andhra Pradesh authorities are deploying 2,700 police personnel and implementing safety measures for the annual Giri Pradakshina religious event in Simhachalam. Schools along the route will remain closed on July 28 to ensure student safety during the expected gathering of over five lakh devotees.
Why it matters
Large-scale religious gatherings require significant logistical and security coordination to prevent stampedes and ensure public order.
Andhra Pradesh Minister of Home Vangalapudi Anitha on Saturday (July 15, 2026) announced that about 2,700 police personnel will be deployed exclusively for security duties during the annual Giri Pradakshina of Simhachalam’s Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, scheduled for July 28. She also announced a holiday for 221 schools located along the Giri Pradakshina route in Gopalapatnam, Chinnagadili, Seethammadhara, and Pendurthi mandals on July 28, to ensure the safety of the students.
The Minister chaired a review meeting with District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore, Commissioner of Police Shankhabrata Bagchi, GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg, and other officials, to discuss the arrangements for the annual religious event.
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