TTD defends giving sticks to devotees taking walkways

TIRUPATI: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has defended its decision to provide sturdy sticks to every devotee trekking to Tirumala through Alipiri and Srivari Mettu pedestrian routes.

TTD trust board chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy on Thursday said the decision to distribute sticks has been taken in consultation with the Forest Department officials.

“The primary motive behind this initiative is to empower devotees with a self-defence tool,” he maintained.

Responding to criticism on social media regarding provision of sticks, Karunakar Reddy said the TTD is not attempting to shirk its responsibility. It is building confidence within the devotee who is walking and is ensuring his or her safety.
Shedding light on the historical defence strategy behind the measure, the TTD chairman explained, “The simple act of holding a stick alters a person’s visual perception among animals. It makes humans appear larger and less susceptible, thus deterring the wild animals from initiating a confrontation.”

“The sound produced by a stick striking the ground serves as a deterrent to animals, whether driven by curiosity or predatory instincts. The motion generated by waving a stick is a visual signal, showcasing the pilgrim's alertness to the wild animal's presence and potentially discouraging the animal from approaching”.
Karunakar Reddy underlined that a stick can significantly impact an individual's psychological state and confidence level. The pilgrims will be less prone to panic.
He said “Operation Chiruta” has been launched as an ongoing effort to ensure safety of devotees visiting the hill shrine throughout the year. “A comprehensive action plan is under development for those walking through the forest area. Presently, around 300 CCTV cameras are operational along the forest footpath. An additional 200 cameras are being installation”, he maintained.

Both the TTD chairman and executive officer A.V. Dharma Reddy visited the site, on Thursday, where a second leopard had been captured in a cage set up by the forest authorities.

They dismissed reports on social media that leopards from Tirupati S.V. Zoological Park are being released on to the trekking routes.