TTD to open 3 awareness centres today

Tirupati: To bring better awareness among visiting pilgrims to Tirumala and also to educate them on safety measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19), the TTD is opening up three awareness and counselling camps at three places, Alipiri, Srivari Mettu, the origin of two footpath routes Tirumala and also at Alipiri Tollgate.

After a high-level review meeting with all the HoDs of Tirumala on coronavirus at Gokulam Conference Hall on Thursday, TTD Additional EO A V Dharma Reddy stated that these centres would start functioning from March 13.

The Additional EO directed the HoDs to take up awareness and orientation programmes in their respective offices for their staff members in this regard.

He said the orientation programmes include the usage of protective masks, sensitization to prevent the spread of coronavirus as majority of employees work in the places where the movement of pilgrims is heavy.

This apart, Reddy who is also the Managing Director of SVBC, the TTDs satellite channel, directed its authorities to take steps to relay the promo on Corona Awareness and measures to prevent its spread frequently in the channel for the wide publicity.

He also directed the TTD Health Officer Dr R R Reddy and Chief Medical Officer Dr Nageswara Rao to lead the awareness camps and ensure that the message reaches every pilgrim who is reaching Tirumala.

Making a renewed appeal to the devotees not to visit Tirumala, if they are suffering from cold, cough and mild fever until their illness subsides, he said, "If any pilgrim is found suffering from the above symptoms, he or she will be screened with thermo screeners at Alipiri and Srivari Mettu itself and will be extended medical advice and medicare if needed."

Cancellation of tickets

Dharma Reddy informed that TTD has taken a decision to facilitate Rs 300 Special Entry Darshan, Arjitha Seva advance booking ticket holders as well the pilgrims who have booked accommodation in advance, to cancel the tickets or to postpone their date of darshan till May 2020 in view of coronavirus threat.