Elaborate security and logistical arrangements are in place for the annual Srivari Brahmotsavams in Tirumala, with the district police and the TTD Vigilance and security authorities assuring a safe and smooth experience for the devotees.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Tirupati SP L. Subbarayudu said more than 4,000 police personnel would be deployed. The temple town would be under constant surveillance through 4,000 CCTV cameras linked to an Integrated Command Control Room. “Priority is to ensure that devotees participate in the festivities in a peaceful and disciplined atmosphere,” Mr. Subbarayudu said.
Traffic management
Special focus was laid on traffic management, queue lines, sanitation, drinking water, and emergency medical services. With heavy crowds expected on the day of Garuda Seva, traffic diversions and crowd control measures were being planned, he said.
“To ease congestion, additional parking facilities have been created at five locations in Tirupati, from where the pilgrims will be ferried to Tirumala in APSRTC buses. The pilgrims are also urged to prefer RTC buses over private or their personal vehicles,” he added.
TTD’s Chief Vigilance and Security Officer (SVSO) Murali Krishna said around 1,500 vigilance staff, supported by Octopus and NDRF teams, would monitor security round the clock. He appealed to the devotees not to bring footwear or luggage into galleries and strictly avoid the practice of throwing coins on temple chariot.
Additional Executive Officer Ch Venkaiah Chowdary said a video guiding pilgrims to the designated parking lots would be soon released. He also stressed for better coordination between the police, the TTD and other departments to ensure hassle-free Brahmotsavams.
