TTD plans stronger safeguards for pilgrims amid leopard threat

Published 18 July 2026 · health

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has proposed an integrated wildlife management and emergency response mechanism to enhance the safety of pilgrims trekking to the hill shrine

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has proposed an integrated wildlife management and emergency response mechanism to enhance the safety of pilgrims trekking to the hill shrine through the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu footpaths, following recurring leopard movement in the Tirumala forests. Chairing a review meeting with TTD and Forest Department officials on Saturday, TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiyya Chowdary directed all departments to accord the highest priority to the safety of pedestrian pilgrims and evolve a coordinated strategy to minimise wildlife-related risks. Among the proposals is the constitution of a specialised Emergency Response Team comprising a veterinary doctor, forest personnel and trained staff equipped with dedicated vehicles, communication devices and rescue equipment to respond to wildlife-related incidents within five to ten minutes.

Surveillance will be intensified in stretches where leopard movement has been reported, while leopards captured in cages will be relocated to distant protected forest areas. Officials also decided to examine the feasibility of restricting pilgrim entry through the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu footpaths after 6 p.m., in line with existing safety protocols. They also proposed a review of commercial establishments along the trekking routes to assess their impact on wildlife movement and pilgrim safety. To strengthen scientific monitoring, TTD will establish a Wildlife Monitoring Cell near the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple to record, analyse and monitor wildlife movement using modern technology and trained personnel in accordance with approved Standard Operating Procedures.

The cell will also maintain long-term data on wildlife incidents, movement patterns and population trends. The meeting also stressed the need for improved waste management to eliminate food sources that attract wild animals, besides identifying high-risk zones through appropriate signage, zoning and controlled access. Officials called for closer coordination among the TTD Forest Wing, the State Forest Department, and the Vigilance, Health and Security wings to ensure effective surveillance and a swift response to emergencies. Earlier, TTD Deputy Conservator of Forests Phanikumar Naidu gave a detailed presentation on leopard movement recorded over the past two years, trap-camera surveillance and the mitigation measures being implemented.