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El Niño Worsens Tirumala Water Woes: Rationing Begins
15 Oct
Summary
- Tirumala's water reserves are sufficient for only 90 days.
- Daily water consumption in the pilgrim town is nearly 60 lakh gallons.
- Officials hope the northeast monsoon will replenish depleted water resources.
The hill town of Tirumala is experiencing significant water stress, with its reserves sufficient for approximately 90 days. This critical situation is attributed to El Niño and insufficient rainfall, which have failed to adequately replenish the town's five drinking water reservoirs. Daily consumption averages around 60 lakh gallons, further depleting the limited supply.
To manage the crisis, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has implemented strict water rationing. Supply to hotels, commercial establishments, and religious institutions has been curtailed. Three of the five reservoirs, including Kumaradhara, Pasupudhara, and Akasa Ganga, have already run dry, increasing reliance on the remaining Papavinasanam and Gogarbham dams.
Officials are pinning their hopes on the upcoming northeast monsoon, traditionally a significant source of rainfall for the region between October and early December. If the monsoon falls short, pumping Telugu Ganga waters is a contingency plan. The immediate focus remains on conserving water while ensuring essential amenities for the numerous pilgrims.
As of October 15, 2026, the town's water reserves offer a cushion of only three months. The success of the impending northeast monsoon will be crucial in averting a more severe water crisis for Tirumala.
