Fresh steps to ensure pilgrim safety at Tirumala walkway

 Vijayawada: The AP government is coming up with a series of steps to curb man-animal conflict especially at Tirumala walkway and ensure safety to the pilgrims.

This was stated in the legislative council during question hour on Monday by deputy chief minister (endowments) Kottu Satyanarayana, in reply to queries from Bhumireddy Ramagopal, Duvvarau Ramarao, Tirumala Naidu and Panchumarthi Anuradha.

He said that the state government, in consultation with the TTD, forest department, Wildlife Institute and other agencies, was working out a fool-proof system for maximum safety to pilgrims visiting the Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala through the walkway.

Altogether 330 camera traps were set up in sensitive areas on the footpaths leading to Tirumala. Trap cages were kept at strategic locations and six leopards were trapped at different locations so far.

A wildlife monitoring cell was set up at 7th mile  to analyse data from the camera traps and initiate immediate action when carnivores are found.

A forest station with the TTD forest and vigilance staff was set up for round-the-clock patrolling besides creating view lines at a width of 10 metres on both sides of Alipiri and Srivarimettu footpaths, to keep track of animal movement. Awareness boards were put up along the footpaths on the Dos and Don'ts for the pilgrims.

“We are providing bamboo sticks to pilgrims for self-protection while proceeding to Tirumala on the walkway. Pilgrims in groups of 100 to 200 are being allowed at the 7th mile. Curbs were imposed on children aged below 12, who would be allowed to walk along with their parents on the footpaths only from 5am to2 pm so that they can reach Tirumala before 6 pm. Pilgrims riding two wheelers are allowed from 6am to 6pm only.

The Dy CM said that a proposal was under way to install fencing on both sides and put a cover on top, to provide complete protection to pilgrims. This is in addition to providing illumination at a length of 500 metres on both sides of the footpaths.

He announced the setting up of a toll-free number for people to seek help in case of trouble.

The Dy CM said, “We are going to impose curbs on those selling vegetables, fruits and other food items as the herbivores are getting attracted to the food. This is encouraging carnivores to come for prey and attack the pilgrims.”