PNS|Tirumala
In a key meeting at Annamaiah Bhavan, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board, chaired by B R Naidu, passed several resolutions aimed at improving facilities, preserving sanctity, and enhancing the overall spiritual experience for devotees. TTD Executive Officer J Syamala Rao and board members attended the session.
Acting on the directives of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the Board approved a major green initiative to increase forest cover on Tirumala hills from 68.14% to 80%. A phased funding of Rs 4 crore will be released to the Forest Department: Rs 1.74 crore in 2025–26 and Rs 1.13 crore each in 2026–27 and 2027–28.
Plans are underway to prepare a master plan for the development of temples at Tiruchanoor, Amaravati, Narayanavanam, Kapila Theertham, Nagalapuram, and Vontimitta. Architects will be invited to submit technical and financial proposals.
In a move to uphold religious sentiments, all rest houses in Tirumala—except two—have been renamed after deities. Efforts are being made to rename the remaining ones, including Sainik Niwas.
The Board approved revised licence fees for Big and Janatha Canteens and plans to hand over operations to reputed institutions to ensure better quality food for pilgrims.
Given the heavy footfall at Akashaganga and Papavinasanam, the Board resolved to upgrade spiritual, environmental, and infrastructure amenities in these areas.
Healthcare received a significant boost with an additional Rs 71 crore allocated annually to the SVIMS Super Specialty Hospital, raising the total aid to Rs 131 crore. Recruitment of medical staff and completion of ongoing infrastructure will be prioritised. A new initiative — Srivari Vaidya Seva — will also be launched, bringing in medical volunteers similar to Srivari Seva.
Other key decisions include anti-drone surveillance for Tirumala’s security, enhanced Annaprasadam services at Vontimitta, and a Rs 10 crore grant for developing the Anantavaram temple in Tullur mandal.
The Board also resolved to take legal action against the makers of DD Next Level for remixing the sacred Govinda Namavali, citing deep offence caused to devotees.
