Blasting of crackers during night, fencing for temple area in Srisailam

Kurnool: In the aftermath of the leopard attack on a girl in Tirumala that led to her death, the Srisailam Devasthanam management has taken steps to ensure the safety of devotees from wild animals.

A decision has been made to set off crackers during nighttime to deter wild animals from entering the temple premises, especially around the outer ring road. Plans are afoot to install fencing around the temple grounds, as was confirmed by S Lavanna, executive officer of the temple.

Since Wednesday, instances of a wild bear searching for food near the Sikharam spot and leopard movements near Agama Pathashala along the ring road have been reported. Instances of wild animals entering the temple premises are causing alarm among the devotees.

The temple EO explained that the forest officials have been informed about plans to establish a fencing around the temple grounds with a budget of ' 5 crore. The temple plans to invite tenders for this project soon and the works would be completed in a year’s time.

As a temporary step, the temple initiated the practice of bursting crackers during nighttime to deter wild animals from approaching its premises.

The executive officer noted that the temple is situated in the heart of the dense Nallamala forest, operating within a zone inhabited by various wildlife species.

He appealed to the devotees not to wander alone in the temple premises at night.