TIRUMALA: The Executive Officer (EO) of TTD, AV Dharma Reddy, has assured devotees that safety measures have been put in place to protect them from wild animal attacks. He stated that devotees can walk on the footpath to Tirumala without any fear. This announcement was made during a review meeting with TTD and forest department officials. The government has formed a joint committee with TTD DFO, AP Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (wildlife), and AP Chief wildlife warden to address this issue. The committee has conducted field studies and submitted a report with recommendations for the safety of the pathway.
During the meeting, TTD DFO, Tirupati Circle CCF, and DFO Tirupati also presented their findings on the matter. Various steps were discussed, including wildlife protection, infrastructure improvement, staff training, bio-fencing, aerial walkways, underpasses, and more. The EO instructed the DFO to seek approval from the Wildlife Institute of India for the proposed aerial walkways, underpasses, and overpasses. Additionally, funds provided by TTD will be used to set up camera traps, view lines, outposts, and a monitoring cell, as per the EO’s request.
The EO also directed the Chief Engineer to install lighting along the footpath from the seventh mile to the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple and the monitoring building. Furthermore, the health officer was instructed to ensure that waste is removed from the footpath daily to prevent attracting wild animals. These measures are aimed at ensuring the safety of devotees visiting Tirumala.
