Home / Environment / Leopards Roam Tirumala Trails: New Safety Plan Unveiled
Leopards Roam Tirumala Trails: New Safety Plan Unveiled
18 Jul
Summary
- TTD plans integrated wildlife management for pilgrim safety on trekking routes.
- Specialized emergency response team to tackle wildlife incidents swiftly.
- Enhanced surveillance and potential entry restrictions after 6 p.m. are proposed.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has initiated a comprehensive safety enhancement plan due to frequent leopard sightings along the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu footpaths. The TTD, in conjunction with the Forest Department, is prioritizing pedestrian pilgrim safety through coordinated strategies aimed at minimizing wildlife-related risks.
A specialized Emergency Response Team, comprising veterinary and forest personnel, will be established. This team will be equipped with vehicles and communication devices, enabling them to address wildlife incidents within a rapid five to ten-minute timeframe. Intensive surveillance will target areas with reported leopard movement, and captured leopards will be relocated.
Officials are evaluating the possibility of restricting pilgrim access to the trekking routes after 6 p.m., a measure designed to bolster existing safety protocols. Furthermore, a review of commercial activities near the paths is planned to assess their impact on wildlife and pilgrim security. A dedicated Wildlife Monitoring Cell will be set up using modern technology to track and analyze animal movements.
Improved waste management is also a key component, intended to reduce attractants for wild animals. High-risk zones will be clearly marked with signage, and access will be controlled. Close collaboration among various TTD wings and the State Forest Department is emphasized for effective surveillance and emergency response.
