Tirumala: Another leopard caught on Tirumala-Alipiri route; TTD implements new security plan
Devotees are given handsticks on the pedestrian route. Around 10,000 handsticks were prepared at a cost of ₹45,000.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 7 Sep 2023 7:19 AM GMT
Tirumala: Forest officials have caught another leopard at the 7th Mile close to Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Tirumala on Thursday.
Forest officials had set up a special cage to trap the animal. This is the fifth leopard to have been caught by the forest officials.
TTD Chairman Bhumana Karunakara Reddy said they have made foolproof security arrangements for the safety and protection of devotees along the Srivari Mettu and Alipiri footpaths.
Addressing media persons after reviewing security arrangements at Sri Narasimha Swami temple, he said Operation Leopard will continue. Over 300 forest officials have been deployed to keep wild animals at bay.
So far two kids have been attacked by wild animals. One of them later succumbed. The baby was attacked by the leopard along the pedestrian route when she was trekking along with her family members.
Alarmed by the attacks, TTD decided to send devotees in a group of 100 on the footpaths with a security guard. Devotees with children have been barred from trekking after 2 p.m. in view of their safety.
From Wednesday, devotees are given handsticks on the pedestrian route. Around 10,000 handsticks were prepared at a cost of ₹45,000. These sticks will be given to the pilgrims before embarking on the trek and will be collected back by TTD staff after Narasimha Swamy temple.
Several safety initiatives were rolled out by TTD after the June 22 incident at the 7th mile and August 11 at Sri Narasimha Swami temple areas. Among them was the installation of 500 CC camera traps to keep tab on the movement of wild animals.
The sale of fruits and vegetables has been barred because some devotees were feeding friendly animals like deer, monkeys, etc. The measure has been taken to prevent wild animals from straying in the temple area.
TTD has also sent a proposal with design to the Wildlife Institute of India and Union Forest Ministry for the construction of steel fencing along the Alipiri footpath route which falls in the reserved forest zone.
