Several mutts encroach TTD lands in Tirumala

Tirupati: Various mutts established by spiritual organisations in Tirumala have encroached TTD lands which were not allotted to them.

In this regard, already the TTD revenue department had issued notices to the managements of more than 10 mutts. TTD has allotted sites on lease and exchange basis to 31 mutts and choultries to construct buildings in Tirumala hill shrine long back.

During regular inspections, the encroachments and other deviations in building constructions were noticed. Vishaka Sri Sarada Peetham, Sri Ranganatha Swamy Mutt and Sri Siddeswara Peetham, Mouna Swamy Mutt have involved in excess land encroachment apart from the land allotted by the TTD.

Out of 31 mutts 27 are involved in land encroachment and constructed permanent buildings, car parking structures and other shelters. This was noticed by the TTD revenue department recently and they issued notices to mutts.

One mutt management had given reply that an Annadanam complex was constructed to distribute free meals to devotees who have been coming to mutt.

Along with the above mutts, popular Kanchi Kamkoti Peetham and Ahobila Mutt, Arya Viasya Satram and other organisastions constructed permanent structures like toilets, kitchen and staff quarters in occupied lands. TTD revenue officials have given three months' time to mutts to clear encroachments. As the mutts have not responded to the notices, TTD authorities have sent letters to the heads of mutts (Mathadhipathis).

Replies were received only from 7 mutts and 24 mutts yet to reply. Whereas the authorities of Sri Sri Swaroopanandendra Saraswati Mahaswamy of Visakha Sri Sarada Peetham again requested to allot the land under encroachment to provide Nitya Annadanam and Vedic Dharma activities.

Reportedly some mutts again requested the officials to approve their unauthorised constructions by collecting extra lease amount and other fees.