Tirumala, July 18, 2026: In a significant move to improve the safety of pilgrims trekking to Tirumala, TTD Additional Executive Officer Sri Ch. Venkayya Chowdary directed TTD and Forest Department officials to give the highest priority to protecting devotees using the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu footpaths, particularly from wildlife threats such as leopards.
The proposals emerged during a review meeting held at the Sudharma Conference Hall in Tirumala with senior officials from TTD and the Forest Department.
Emergency Response Team for Wildlife Incidents
TTD proposed the formation of a specialised Emergency Response Team consisting of:
- Veterinary doctors
- Forest personnel
- Trained emergency staff
The team will be equipped with dedicated vehicles, communication systems and rescue equipment to reach any wildlife-related incident within 5 to 10 minutes.
Continuous surveillance will be maintained in areas where leopard movement has been recorded, and captured leopards will be relocated to protected forest habitats.
Entry Restrictions Under Study
TTD is examining the feasibility of allowing pilgrim entry on the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu footpaths only up to 6:00 PM, in line with existing wildlife safety protocols.
Officials also decided to review shops operating along the trekking routes to assess their impact on wildlife movement and pilgrim safety.
Wildlife Monitoring Cell Near LNS Temple
A dedicated Wildlife Monitoring Cell will be established near the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy (LNS) Temple.
The centre will:
- Monitor wildlife movement in real time
- Maintain digital incident records
- Analyse long-term wildlife movement trends
- Operate according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Be equipped with modern technology and trained personnel
Waste Management and Interdepartmental Coordination
TTD also stressed:
- Improved waste management to prevent attracting wild animals
- Better signage and controlled access in sensitive areas
- Identification of wildlife risk zones
- Strong coordination among the TTD Forest Wing, State Forest Department, Vigilance, Health, and Security departments.
Earlier, TTD Deputy Conservator of Forests Sri Phanikumar Naidu presented a detailed PowerPoint on leopard movement, trap camera performance, solar-powered surveillance systems and ongoing mitigation efforts.
The meeting was attended by Chief Conservator of Forests Sri Srinivas Reddy, DFO Sri Saibaba, TTD Chief Engineer Sri Satyanarayana, Deputy EO (Health) Sri Somnnarayana, VGO Sri Surendra, and other senior officials.
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