Timings to allow children on walkway to be relaxed only after Forest dept nod, says TTD chairman

TIRUMALA: Asserting that the safety and security of devotees is most important for them, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) chairman. Bhumana Karunakara Reddy has said that the time restrictions will be relaxed for under-12 years children only if the forest department officials confirm that there is no threat from wild animals along the Alipiri pedestrian walkway.

The TTD chairman on Monday inspected the darshan queues erected for pilgrims from Gogarbham Circle to Krishna Teja Circle following the heavy pilgrim rush continued to Tirumala since Thursday evening.

Karunakara Reddy interacted with the devotees and asked them whether they were supplied with food, drinking water, coffee, tea, buttermilk. He asked the officials to make more arrangements so that the devotees didn’t face any trouble.

Later, speaking to media, he said that the devotees' footfall in Tirumala had increased in the last four days due to the sacred Purattasi month and holidays. In this regard, the queues were extending up to 4 to 5 km. The TTD had cancelled VIP break, and supatham; and slotted sarva darshanam tokens to ensure hassle-free darshan to the pilgrims, he said.

Karunakara Reddy also said that the pilgrims in the queues were provided adequate facilities without getting impatient anywhere. "We are anticipating devotees' footfall will increase in the upcoming Navratri Brahmotsavam from October 15 to 23, 2023 and TTD authorities are making necessary arrangements for the big event," he said.

Karunakara Reddy also lauded the services of TTD officials for handling the unprecedented pilgrim rush in the last four days without giving scope for any untoward incident.