Latest news with #TrustBoard
Hans India
2 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.
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Northern Trust recommends cutting emergency surgery from Causeway Hospital
Emergency General Surgery (EGS) is likely to be removed from Causeway Hospital, after the Northern Health Trust recommended providing the service at just one of its hospital Trust's board says its preference is that EGS be located at Antrim Area it is spread between the Antrim Area and Causeway recommendation follows a review and a public consultation. 'Extremely challenging' Senior management said that the duplication of services at both sites has put pressure on the hospitals and that the current system was "not sustainable".They said they were faced with two choices, either a managed planned change to services or a total collapse of those have taken the decision to manage that review included a 14-week long public consultation. According to the Trust, the public who responded were overwhelmingly against the change in services. However, the Trust say they believe the move is Chief Executive Jennifer Welsh described the review process as "extremely challenging".If the proposal is signed off by the Department of Health, plans to consolidate EGS at Antrim Area Hospital will go ahead. What is Emergency General Surgery? EGS looks after patients who require general surgical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment in an unplanned way, often following presentation in the would include emergency procedures like appendicitis or a blocked Causeway site will be used for elective general surgery. This is low complex surgery which can be planned, for example the removal of a is the case now, trauma patients, such as those that have been involved in road traffic accidents, will be transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for treatment.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
TTD trust Board decides to increase green cover in Tirumala to 80%, improve infrastructure
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), in a Trust Board meeting on Tuesday, adopted a series of resolutions aimed at improving infrastructure, spiritual sanctity, and environmental sustainability across the temple ecosystem at Tirumala. TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu and Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao and other members trustees attended the meeting. Briefing the media, Mr. Syamala Rao said that in line with the directives of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Trust Board has decided to launch an ambitious afforestation programme with the target of increasing Tirumala's green cover from 68.14% to 80%. The Forest Department will spearhead the initiative for which over ₹4 crore would be allocated in phases over the next three years. The TTD also sanctioned an additional ₹71 crore per annum to Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS), supplementing the existing ₹60 crore support. Plans are afoot to recruit doctors, nurses, and the required paramedical staff and complete the buildings of the Oncology Wing and Sri Padmavati Children's Hospital within a stipulated time. Around 85% of these projects have been completed. Srivari Vaidya Seva To bolster healthcare services, the temple Trust Board has approved a proposal to launch 'Srivari Vaidya Seva', a volunteer programme as part of which medical professionals would be roped in to offer services to the needy. As part of reinforcing the security arrangements and protecting the temple town from aerial threats, it was resolved to espouse anti-drone technology. In a strategic move, the Trust Board approved inviting technical and financial proposals from architectural consultants to develop a comprehensive master plan for developing temples at Tiruchanoor, Amaravati, Narayanavanam, Kapilatheertham, Nagalapuram, and Vontimitta. It resolved to rename a couple of rest houses on its own, with donors failing to respond to its request to provide names after the deities in line with its spiritual heritage. New framework for licensing canteens To ensure that the devotees receive nutritious and hygienic food, it was resolved to adopt a new framework for licensing Big Canteens and Janatha Canteens existing atop the hill town. Other key decisions include developing the Sridevi and Bhudevi Sameta Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple at Anantavaram in Amaravati and initiating legal proceedings against the makers of the Tamil film DD Next Level for hurting the sentiments of the multitude of devotees by remixing the popular 'Govinda Namavali' of Lord Venkateswara.
Hans India
08-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Political storm brews over TTD's land exchange with tourism authority
Tirupati: The latest land swap decision by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board has stirred political controversy, with opposition parties alleging a covert attempt to revive a shelved luxury hotel project near the temple town of Tirupati. In an emergency meeting convened on Wednesday at Tirumala, chaired by BR Naidu, the TTD board approved the exchange of 24.68 acres of its land in survey number 588A of Tirupati Urban mandal with an equivalent plot held by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority (APTA) in survey number 604 at Peruru village in Tirupati Rural mandal. Due to the sudden nature of the meeting, only a handful of members attended in person, while others joined virtually. The board also agreed to speed up clearances for another proposed land swap involving 10.32 acres in Tirupati Rural. The decision drew immediate backlash from the YSR Congress Party. Former TTD chairman and party spokesperson Bhumana Karunakar Reddy alleged that the move is intended to facilitate the revival of a previously scrapped luxury hotel project near Alipiri, the sacred foothills of Tirumala. Speaking to the media, Reddy expressed outrage that an emergency board meeting, unprecedented for a single-point agenda, was held not to serve devotees, but to benefit commercial interests. He further accused Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of contradicting his earlier stance on protecting temple lands. 'When the Oberoi Group was allotted land near Alipiri in the past, Naidu strongly opposed it citing religious sanctity. Now, the same leader is facilitating a similar project under a different name,' Reddy claimed. He urged that if tourism development is the objective, land near Tirupati airport – away from the sacred temple zone – would be a more appropriate location. Calling upon spiritual leaders and the Hindu community at large, Reddy appealed for collective resistance to what he described as the commercialisation of a revered pilgrimage centre.
Hans India
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Attack aimed to disturb communal harmony
Rajamahendravaram: The Royal Mosque Trust Board in Rajamahendravaram has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking after Friday prayers, Trust Board Honorary Advisor Asadullah Ahmad said that all Indians, regardless of caste or religion, have been living together in harmony as guided by the Constitution of India. He described the brutal firing by terrorists, who cannot tolerate communal harmony, as a cowardly act and urged the government to take strict and immediate action against those responsible. Trust Board Chairman Sheikh Abdul Kareem stated that Islam stands for peace and there is no place for violence in the religion. He firmly stated that those who engage in violence cannot be considered true Muslims. He added that conspiracies or attacks cannot disturb the spirit of communal harmony in India. Trustees Md Moosa, YS Ghan Shah, Imam Abdul Hafeez Khan, Ibrahim, Jahangir Quddus Basha, Arif, Arshad, Ghaffur, and Mujeeb were present at the meeting.
