‘TTD sets benchmark in waste management’

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is setting an example for other temples across the country in waste management, asserted Additional Executive Officer Ch Venkaiah Chowdary.
He administered the Swachh Andhra pledge to TTD officials at the laddu counter in Tirumala on Saturday.
Speaking on the occasion, the Additional EO emphasised that cleanliness reflects civilisation and culture, adding that good governance and discipline thrive where cleanliness is maintained. He announced that the Swachh Tirumala programme will be conducted on the third Saturday of every month as part of Swachh Andhra Pradesh. Several initiatives have been undertaken to ensure hygiene in Tirumala, with 1,200 personnel working round the clock to keep the premises clean.
The TTD health department is continuously monitoring sanitation. Over the past seven months, special attention has been given to waste management.
He stated that 2 lakh tonnes of garbage accumulated at the Tirumala dumping yard has been converted into manure, while another 40,000 metric tonnes of legacy waste will be cleared in the next two months.
Tirumala generates 78 metric tonnes of wet and dry waste daily. From June, an IOCL plant being set up in Tirumala will produce 1.5 metric tonnes of gas from 45 metric tonnes of wet waste, which will be used at the Tarigonda Vengamamba Prasada centre.
During Ratha Saptami, a feedback survey revealed that 97% of devotees were satisfied with the cleanliness, despite the large volume of waste. Authorities ensured that garbage was cleared promptly.
The Additional EO urged devotees to participate in the Swachh Tirumala programme by following TTD’s waste segregation guidelines and disposing of garbage in designated bins to support sanitation staff.
Deputy EO Lokanatham, EE-1 Subramaniam, Health Officer Madhusudan, Unit Officer Thyagaraju, and other officials attended the programme.
Swachh pledge
As part of Swachh Andhra Pradesh, TTD officials took the Swachh Andhra pledge at the TTD administration building in Tirupati on Saturday.
Employees were sensitised about segregating wet, dry, and chemical waste.
TTD CE Satya Narayana, Additional Health Officer Dr Sunil Kumar, and other officials participated in the programme.