Pilgrim movement restricted

Tirupati: Following the finding of the elephants’ presence in Srivaripadalu area in the forest, 8 km away from Tirumala, the TTD authorities restricted the pilgrim movement and decided to allow devotees from 10 am to 4 pm only. 

The elephant movement came to light after the TTD forest staff found the foot prints of jumbos and broken tree branches and trampling of bushes, in a track of forest, few days back, near Srivaripadalu, alerting the TTD authorities. Sources said, a herd of three or four elephants moving in the TTD forest area. 

They are believed to be separated from the herd in Yerravaripalem forest moving in Talakona and Kalyani dam forest area or the ones moving in the Kodur forest in Chittoor–Kadapa border. 

The herd may be strayed into Srivaripadalu forest area while searching for fodder and water, sources said, adding that the jumbos stay in the area is temporary and they will go back to their habitation after a week or ten days.

As a precautionary measure, the TTD geared up its forest staff to keep a constant watch in the forest area where the elephants’ moving to check them advancing into the forest close to Tirumala. 

TTD Chairman P Sudhakar Yadav also on Friday instructed Forest Officer Phanikumar to take adequate measures to avoid the elephant straying into the Tirumala area.