TTD Board takes new initiatives

Tirupati: The first meeting of the newly-constituted board of the Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanams held here on Monday decided to slash the allocations made to various initiatives by the previous TDP government. As expected, the board decided to downsize the temple not just in terms of cost but also in size.

The TDP government had decided to construct a massive Sri Venkateswara Divya Kshetram complex. But the board which met here in tune with the thinking of the government resolved to have a single prakaram temple.

It also decided to downsize the theme park construction proposed by TTD at Avilala tank near Tirupati city.

Briefing media on the decisions, TTD chairman Y V Subba Reddy said that the TTD will confine to rejuvenation of Avilala tank and develop a park on the tank bed. The proposal of theme park has been shelved, he said.

Earlier when the TDP government decided to develop theme park there was strong opposition from environmentalists who alleged that it was in violation of the Supreme Court orders.

But the then government went ahead with its proposals. The TDP government had decided to develop the theme park at an estimated cost of Rs 180 crore. The works that were started were stopped by the YSRCP government after it came to power.

Subba Reddy said that to find a permanent solution to growing water needs of Tirumala, the board decided to take up the construction of Balaji Reservoir, near Renigunta.

Estimates for this project will be prepared and would be put up before the board for approval at the next board meeting. The reservoir was proposed under Galeru Nagari Sujala Sravanti by the Irrigation department to cater to the water requirements of Tirumala-Tirupati and also irrigation needs.

Another important decision taken was to introduce electrical buses and cars in Tirumala to curb pollution on the holy hills. Subba Reddy said the board also resolved to write to the government seeking funds for construction of Garuda Varadhi, the 6-km elevated corridor taken up to ease traffic congestion in Tirupati by providing a direct path for the pilgrim vehicles coming from outside bypassing the city.

Regarding the issue of outsourced employees, the TTD chairman said a sub-committee has been set up to review the problems of contract and outsourced employees.

Earlier, all the new members of the board took oath. The Chairman asked them to ensure that whatever decisions they take it should be to help the devotees who come from across the country for darshan.