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New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Evolve SOP for each agency involved in security of Tirumala shrine: DGP
TIRUMALA: A high-level meeting on security audit was held at Annamayya Bhavan in Tirumala on Friday. Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Executive Officer J Syamala Rao and several senior officials attended the meeting. It focused on enhancing security in Tirumala and its surroundings, considering the increased threat perception. Tirupati SP and TTD Incharge Chief Vigilance and Security Officer V Harshavardhan Raju made a PowerPoint presentation on the proposed security audit. The DGP emphasised the need for a robust security framework for Tirumala due to its global prominence. He proposed evolving a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for each agency involved in Tirumala security, including Andhra Pradesh Special Police, District Armed Reserve, Special Protection Force, Home Guards, Civil Police and TTD Security Wing. Further, the DGP proposed constitution of a Disaster Management Team to handle emergencies, implementing a multi-layered vehicle scanning system at Alipiri, collaborating with defence agencies on a sensory play system, acquiring modern security equipment, and strengthening the TTD cybersecurity system. The TTD EO highlighted the importance of a formal coordination mechanism for security, and the need to strengthen cybersecurity in Tirumala, expressing satisfaction with the security audit review. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) N Madhusudhan Reddy, Additional DG (Intelligence) Mahesh Chandra Laddha, IG Srikanth, DIG (Anantapur) Shemushi Bajpai, SP (Internal Security Wing) Arif Hafiz, District Forest Officer Vivek, TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch Venkaiah Chowdary, and senior officials from various security agencies attended the meeting.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Hans India
TTD to launch anti-drone security system at Tirumala
Tirupati: In a landmark move to bolster security while preserving the sanctity of one of India's most revered religious destinations, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has approved the deployment of advanced anti-drone technology at Lord Venkateswara temple at Tirumala. The initiative, which merges tradition with innovation, was cleared at a recent Trust Board meeting at Tirumala and marks a significant overhaul of the temple's security infrastructure. The decision comes amid rising concerns over aerial intrusions and the potential misuse of drones around the temple premises. Recent incidents of flying drones over the temple complex and in front of it highlighted the urgent need for stronger surveillance and enforcement mechanisms. The upcoming security system will be built around a multi-layered anti-drone defence network. This will include radar systems for long-range detection, radio frequency (RF) sensors to track drone signals, and thermal imaging equipment for visual surveillance. Once a drone is detected, it will be neutralised using jamming and spoofing technologies that cut off communication between the device and its operator. In addition to targeting drone-related threats, TTD is undertaking a broader transformation of its overall security apparatus. A senior official stated that the upgrade would also include artificial intelligence tools and facial recognition systems to enhance ground-level surveillance. These technologies are expected to help with crowd control, detect suspicious behaviour, and manage the flow of pilgrims, particularly during peak festival seasons. All AI-driven systems will be implemented under strict data privacy guidelines to protect individual information. TTD Executive Officer J Syamala Rao underlined the necessity of embracing technology at a location of such religious and cultural prominence. He said the proposed systems aim not only to prevent aerial violations but also to ensure the safety and spiritual experience of visiting devotees. To reinforce its efforts, the TTD has also appealed to the Union government to declare the Tirumala hills a no-fly zone, thereby strengthening the legal framework to deter future drone activity. In parallel, the TTD is evaluating several indigenous technological solutions developed by Indian companies, with the goal of customising them for use in high-sensitivity civilian areas such as temples. TTD is expected to float tenders shortly, with the first phase of installations planned for completion before the end of the year.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
DGP reviews security at Tirumala
Tirupati: State director general of police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta on Friday reviewed the security systems in place at Tirumala. During the security audit meeting with Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams officials headed by EO J Syamala Rao and additional EO Ch Venkaiah Choudary on Friday, Tirupati SP V Harshavardhan Raju briefed everyone about the existing security systems at Tirumala and Tirupati and highlighted the urgent need to revamp and upgrade to state of the art and advanced security systems. The DGP said a stronger security set-up is needed for Tirumala considering its popularity as well its sensitivity across the world. He suggested an SoP for agencies involved in security matters in Tirumala such as APSP, DAR, SPF, HGs, Civil Police and TTD Security besides a Disaster Management Team to tackle the exigencies if any. He also suggested for a multi-layered vehicle scanning system at Alipiri, to collaborate with defence agencies on Sensor Play system, modernized security equipment etc. Syamala Rao underlined that there was a need for a more coordinated approach towards streamlining security systems at Tirumala.
Indian Express
6 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
11 lakh meals, 4.5 lakh beverages, 3.3 lakh devotees and a leopard – Lord Venkateswara temple opens for summer
Tirumala's Lord Venkateswara temple is witnessing an extraordinary rush this summer, with 3,28,702 devotees having darshan in just four days, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple, has said. On May 25, a record number of 91,538 devotees had darshan in over 18 hours. On Tuesday, TTD officials and the state forest department scrambled to ensure the safety of devotees who walk up the Alipiri footpath through the forested hills to the temple, after a leopard was spotted along the route. Officials said that in spite of the scare, devotees did not hesitate, and that adequate arrangements have been made by posting guards to ensure their safety. On Tuesday, TTD executive officer J Syamala Rao held a meeting with the TTD forest department, the state forest department, and others on how to manage leopards straying into the path of pilgrims. Moreover, in view of the ongoing summer vacation, TTD has made extensive arrangements to ensure the smooth movement and darshan of devotees, its joint executive officer V Veerabrahmam said. Srivari Seva Volunteers posted at the site are distributing food and beverages to devotees. The arrangements mean an additional 10,000 devotees can have darshan each day as compared to regular days. Between Thursday and Sunday, when 3,28,702 devotees had darshan of Sri Venkateswara, the Annaprasadam department served 10,98,170 meals and 4,55,160 beverages (tea/coffee/milk/buttermilk) to the devotees. As many as 1,52,587 devotees tonsured their hair, and 12,172 availed medical services provided by the TTD medical department at various locations in Tirumala. The health department is maintaining a supply of drinking water and cleanliness, with 2,150 sanitary workers, supervisors, inspectors, and unit officers deployed in three shifts. In view of the upcoming annual Brahmotsavams of Sri Govindaraja Swamy temple, scheduled to be held from June 2 to June 10, TTD executive officer J Syamala Rao instructed officials to make elaborate arrangements, keeping in mind the summer conditions. He emphasised the need for facilities such as shade pandals, whitewashing, and paintings to enhance the temple's festive look. On Tuesday, in view of the increased movement of wild cats in the area, a review meeting was held at the TTD office. Syamala Rao said it was decided to deploy additional forces. 'More measures are being taken to ensure the Alipiri footpath is a no-leopard zone, which include camera traps, bio-fences, net-guns, high flash torches, and pepper sprays,' an official said. In August 2023, a six-year-old girl who got separated from her parents while walking along the Alipiri stairs was found dead the next day. Two months earlier, a three-year-old boy was also attacked by a wild animal on the footpath route, but survived the attack.
Hans India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
TTD to expand Srivari Seva globally
Tirumala: In response to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's directive, TTD Executive Officer J Syamala Rao has developed an action plan to expand Srivari Seva internationally. On Saturday, a virtual meeting was held at TTD administration building in Tirupati, connecting the EO with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from 14 countries. The EO highlighted that Srivari Sevaks from across India, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, already provide invaluable services to devotees. Soon, NRIs with expertise in various fields will be invited to offer similar selfless service to pilgrims visiting Tirumala and Tirupati. Beyond their duties in various TTD departments in Tirumala and Tirupati, Srivari Sevaks actively participate in TTD's spiritual initiatives, including Srinivasa Kalyanam and Sri Venkateswara Vaibhavotsavams, organized nationwide. To enhance the quality of Srivari Seva, several reforms have been introduced recently, with more underway. TTD is also considering incorporating professional seva in areas such as medicine, IT, engineering, planning, water management, food technology, architecture, and town planning.
