What is the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) planning to do in the Tirumala hills?

The TTD is planning to turn the Tirumala hills into a 'carbon-positive' area by 2035 through a major greening initiative.

How will the TTD increase the forest cover in Tirumala?

The TTD plans to increase the 'dense forest cover' in the 2,719-hectare Tirumala forest from the current 32% to 45% by replacing invasive species with 250 native tree varieties.

What is the goal of the TTD's greening project in Tirumala?

The main goals of the TTD's project are to enhance the overall forest cover, replace non-native plants with indigenous species, and boost the region's carbon capture capacity from 10,019 to 13,500 tonnes.

Home / Environment / Tirumala Hills to Become 'Carbon-Positive' Oasis in Decade-Long Greening Mission

Tirumala Hills to Become 'Carbon-Positive' Oasis in Decade-Long Greening Mission

2 Nov, 2025

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Summary

TTD plans to enhance Tirumala forest cover from 89.4% to 45% 'dense forest'
Invasive species to be replaced with 250 native tree varieties
Carbon capture capacity to increase from 10,019 to 13,500 tonnes

Tirumala Hills to Become 'Carbon-Positive' Oasis in Decade-Long Greening Mission

In a significant move, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has embarked on an ambitious mission to turn the Tirumala hills into a 'carbon-positive' area within the next decade. The plan, approved by the TTD Trust Board, aims to enhance the overall forest cover in the 2,719-hectare Tirumala forest, which is part of the biodiversity-rich Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve.

By 2035, the TTD intends to increase the 'dense forest cover' from the current 32% to 45%, according to TTD Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal. This will be achieved by replacing the existing invasive species, such as Acacia auriculiformis and Senna spectabilis, with 250 native tree varieties, including banyan, peepal, champak, and Indian gooseberry.