TTD distributes wooden sticks to devotees for safety on Alipiri walkway
Tirupati: Undeterred by criticism, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has commenced distribution of wooden sticks to devotees walking the Alipiri footpath to the Tirumala hill town. The aim is to safeguard devotees from wild animals in the vicinity of the walkway.
TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakar, alongside TTD executive officer (EO) Dharma Reddy, handed over the sticks to devotees at the starting point of the Alipiri footpath on Wednesday.
The chairman clarified, "We have taken several security measures in view of the movement of wild animals on the Alipiri footpath. This is not for combat with the animals. It is scientifically observed that having a stick in hand would deter animals from attack on humans. For the same reason, villagers traditionally carried sticks while venturing into fields and forests."
“TTD is not merely distributing sticks and leaving the pilgrims to fend for themselves. We are implementing a set of measures to address the man-animal conflict along the Tirumala walkways. This includes grouping devotees and positioning the security guards and police personnel for their protection. We erected cages in the forested areas and captured four leopards so far,” he said.
The sticks are provided to devotees free of charge, and these will be collected back at the Sri Narasimha Swamy temple.
EO Dharma Reddy said several steps have been taken for the safety of devotees. "As many as 500 camera traps were installed to monitor the movement of wild animals apart from steps to prevent them from approaching the footpath.”
"We have also halted the sale of fruits and vegetables along the pedestrian routes. Pilgrims were feeding monkeys and deer, which attracted the beasts. At present, leopards have been found moving in areas like Silatoranam and 7th mile. Devotees are being allowed to walk in groups accompanied by security guards, and there are regular updates on forest movement through our broadcasting systems," he said.
The EO further revealed that proposals had been submitted to the central forest department and wildlife authorities to install an iron fence along the Alipiri walkway. He stressed that the forest would not be harmed due to the acquisition of wooden sticks. Only 10,000 sticks were purchased at a cost of ' 45,000.
For added safety, the forest department has assigned 100 personnel to monitor and assist pilgrims along the pedestrian routes.
