More security for Brahmotsavams in Tirumala

Tirumala: The annual Brahmotsavams of Sri Venkateswara Swamy are considered to be one of the most important Hindu religious events that are being observed with aplomb and celestial grandeur every year in the Hill Town of Tirumala.

This nine-day fete is witnessed by tens of thousands of devotees thronging from across various parts of the country and even overseas to catch-up a glimpse of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy on 16 different Vahanams during this annual festival.

In order to provide a smooth darshan of both the presiding deity as well the vahana sevas of Lord, the mandarins of TTD make elaborate arrangements which commence two months prior. Year after year, along with the increase in pilgrim rush, the improvisation in the arrangements by TTD aims at providing a hassle-free darshan environment to every common devotee taking part in this mega religious festival.

To provide smooth conduct of Brahmotsavams, the Vigilance wing of the TTD in co-ordination with the Police department is also making a wide range of arrangements, leaving no stone unturned during this year, keeping in view the past experiences.

According to the TTD Vigilance officials, apart from the existing 585 cameras, another 1,051 cameras will be set up at different vulnerable points in Tirumala including VQC 1 and 2, inner and outer cordon and four Mada streets to ensure risk-free festival.

To safeguard the pilgrims from the miscreants, the Vigilance sleuths in three special mufti teams will be patrolling round-the-clock during the nine-day fete, especially on Garuda Seva Day.

To check the price hikes by the hoteliers, a special squad consisting of Vigilance, Estate and Revenue officials has also been set up to do the surprise checks and raids. To avoid exploitation of pilgrims by private vehicle operators, TTD has also fixed price at Rs 70 per person, who travels in private jeeps.

A meeting was already conducted with all the private jeep owners, drivers in this regard on August 4 by TTD Vigilance wing and were given clear instructions that overcrowding, overcharging and over speeding jeeps will be given severe punishment.

On Garuda Seva Day (October 4), about 1,000 personnel will be manning the celestial procession which includes 350 vigilance sleuths, 150 home guards, 200 each Srivari Sevakulu and Scouts and 100 NCC.

While the Central Command Control (CCC) also known as C Cube Complex will be monitoring the entire security activity in Tirumala. There are 15 personnel working under the control of a Vigilance Inspector in three shifts to monitor the activities round-the-clock for swift action whenever and wherever required.