TIRUMALA, OCTOBER 22, 2025: Additional Executive Officer of TTD Ch Venkaiay Chowdary, instructed officials to prepare seasonal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for pilgrim operations, emphasising that devotee Safety and Security is the topmost priority.
The Additional EO conducted a virtual review meeting with JEO Sri Veerabrahmam, CV&SO Sri Muralikrishna, and other HoDs of Tirumala on the precautionary measures to be taken during the monsoon season.
He directed that the Disaster Responsive Team be integrated with the Command Control Room, under the leadership of the Chief Engineer, to carry out disaster management operations effectively.
Some excerpts:
Forming an institutional division to assess and preserve the structural stability of ancient gopurams and buildings.
Ensuring that devotees do not face inconvenience during heavy rains.
Annaprasadam to be served on time
Make effective use of queue line facilities so that devotees are not exposed to rain.
Reduction of SSD token issuance temporarily, so that Sarvadarshan devotees can reach the Narayana Giri sheds faster and more conveniently avoiding waiting in outside lines
In the case of landslides or fallen trees, debris should be cleared immediately using JCB vehicles to prevent traffic disruptions.
The Forest and Transport Departments have been instructed accordingly.
Command Control Room should coordinate with all TTD departments to ensure quick resolution of issues that may arise during emergencies.
The Electrical and IT Departments were instructed to ensure that online services remain uninterrupted
To install safety barricades and signboards near electrical supply points and junctions.
The electrical department to allocate a special “Disaster Response Phone Number” and display it on signboards across Tirumala for the sake of both TTD staff and devotees.
WhatsApp services should be used extensively across all departments for better coordination during emergencies
Security personnel be deployed near Akkagari Gudi and Malvadigundam waterfalls along the down ghat road, to prevent devotees from gathering and taking selfies near the waterfalls during the rainy season.
A patrolling vehicle should be run continuously on both ghat roads to provide regular updates to the Command Control Room.
To provide coir mats inside and outside temple premises on slippery areas including four mada streets(where coolant paint and Rangolis are applied), laddu counters etc. in order keeping in view the safety of devotees during the rainy season.
Stagnant rainwater should be pumped out regularly, and proper drainage channels should be maintained in and around the temple.
The regular cleaning of underground drains to prevent clogging.
All the employees and workers who were on duty in rains must be provided raincoats
Separate SOPs for the summer, monsoon, and winter seasons, identifying specific problems faced by devotees in each season and ensuring appropriate solutions.
Devotees are also cautioned not to stand under trees during rainfall due to the risk of falling branches.
Special directions were also given to the TTD Medical Department to be alert round the clock and ready for emergency situations.
