TTD Initiates Safety Measures on Tirumala Footpath Against Wild Animal Threat

Tirupati: TTD executive officer A.V. Dharma Reddy has assured devotees that exhaustive safety measures had been implemented to ensure their protection during the sacred trek to Tirumala hills through Alipiri and Srivari Mettu pedestrian routes.

The Alipiri footpath from the 7th mile area to the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple has seen increased sightings of wild animals like bears and leopards.

The EO held a review meeting on Monday with officials from the state forest department and TTD, regarding the safety measures.

“A joint committee, comprising TTD officials and government forest authorities has been set up by the government. This committee, under the chairmanship of the state’s chief wildlife warden, conducted two field studies to assess the situation. A comprehensive report outlining both long-term and immediate tasks for the footpath’s security was submitted, and this is being implemented,” the EO said.

During the meeting, presentations were made by TTD divisional forest officer (DFO), Tirupati circle chief conservator of forests (CCF), and DFO Tirupati, on aspects such as wildlife protection, infrastructure, staff safety, bio-fencing, aerial pathways and underpasses.

Dharma Reddy advised the TTD DFO to approach the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, seeking approval for the setting up of aerial walkways, underpasses and overpasses.

He urged the Tirupati DFO to utilise the Rs.3.75 crore funds provided by TTD to set up camera traps, view lines, outposts and a monitoring cell.

To enhance safety along the footpath, the EO advised the TTD chief engineer to organise lighting from the 7th mile to the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple and the monitoring building.

Additionally, the TTD health officer was tasked with ensuring the daily removal of waste along the footpath to prevent such material from turning into an attraction for the wild animals.

The meeting was attended by joint executive officer V Veerabrahmam, chief conservator of forests Nageswara Rao, finance and chief accounts officer O Balaji, chief engineer Nageswar Rao, Zoo Park curator C Selvam and DFO Srinivas. Tirupati DFO G Satish and others were present.