Gadwal: A tragic stampede in Tirumala on Wednesday claimed the lives of six devotees, leaving many in grief. Chakravarthy Acharyulu, the Jogulamba Gadwal District President of the Dhupa Deepa Naivedyam Society (DDNS), expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
Acharyulu raised concerns about the lack of proper facilities for devotees at Tirumala, the sacred home of Lord Venkateswara. He criticized the authorities for not taking adequate precautions, especially during the busy Vaikunta Ekadashi and Sankranti holiday period, when large crowds were expected. He emphasized that this negligence reflects poor planning and puts the safety of pilgrims at risk.
Highlighting the failures of the temple administration, Acharyulu pointed out the absence of proactive measures and sufficient arrangements to manage the influx of devotees. He urged the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman to take immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future. He called for improved safety protocols and better facilities to ensure the well-being of pilgrims.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among devotees, who view Tirumala as a spiritual sanctuary. Acharyulu’s remarks echo the feelings of many who hope that authorities will take this tragedy as a wake-up call. Ensuring the safety of pilgrims should be a top priority so that their journey to seek divine blessings remains safe, peaceful, and fulfilling.
