Tirumala leopard attacks: Forest department to deploy extra staff in footpath route, feeding deers prohibited

Tirumala: The forest department officials of Tirupati have been asked to deploy necessary staff, efficient in guarding the pilgrims trekking through the Tirumala-Alipiri footpath route and the funding for the staff will be taken care of by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

On Monday, TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy held a review meeting with TTD EO, district collector, police, and forest department on ways to avoid animal movements in the pedestrian route.

“We have banned tourists from feeding food to deer or any animals on the pedestrian routes. Strict action will be implemented if rules are violated,” said the TTD chairman. He said that strict action will also be taken against food vendors throwing leftovers in the forest area.

Earlier, deers across the footpath route were kept away from the pilgrims with a fence. But now they are left to roam freely, and many pilgrims are seen feeding the deers with food.

Security measures involve lights, fences and sticks

The TTD has decided to install 500 cameras across the pedestrian stretch, and drones will be used, if necessary. Display boards and videos on animal attack awareness will be set up at Gali Gopuram, 7th mile and Alipiri areas.

“Wildlife outpost, including doctors and animal trackers will be deployed 24/7. Focusing lights will be set up across the pedestrian stretch at night and every pilgrim who is trekking will be given a wooden stick for their safety,” said the chairman.

When asked if the TTD is planning to build a fence to avoid animal movements, Reddy said that the forest department is preparing a proposal to explore all possible ways, and will soon come up with an action plan.

In light of the animal attacks on two children — a boy was attacked by a leopard in June, and a girl was killed by a leopard two days ago — TTD chairman said that parents trekking with children below 12 years will be only allowed from 5 am to 2 pm. Even at that time, children will be given security tags so that parents can keep track of their children. Even the elderly will be allowed for trekking only till 10 pm.