Will Tirumala Temple Utilize Anti-Drone Technology for Enhanced Security?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Implementation of anti-drone technology for enhanced security at Tirumala temple.
- Recent incidents of drone usage raise concerns over temple safety.
- TTD's commitment to protecting the sanctity of the temple.
- Expansion of green cover in the Tirumala hills.
- Introduction of Srivari Vaidya Seva for medical assistance.
Tirupati, May 20 (NationPress) The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has made a significant decision to implement anti-drone technology due to the perceived threats surrounding the Sri Venkateswara temple, recognized as the world's wealthiest Hindu temple.
This announcement came on Tuesday as the TTD focuses on enhancing the security measures for the Tirumala temple.
The resolution was reached during a meeting of the TTD Trust Board, led by Chairman B. R. Naidu.
While the operation of drones is prohibited in the vicinity of the hill shrine, several security violations have been reported over the past few months. Recently, a YouTuber from Rajasthan was apprehended for flying a drone and allegedly capturing footage of the temple and its surrounding area.
Last year, a couple from Haryana was also caught using a drone camera along the Tirumala ghat road.
In March, TTD appealed to the Central government to establish a no-fly zone over the hill shrine. The TTD Chairman addressed a letter to Union Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, urging that Tirumala be designated as a no-fly zone, emphasizing the principles of Agama Shastra, the sanctity of the temple, and the feelings of the devotees.
The TTD maintains that aerial activities disrupt the sacred atmosphere surrounding the temple.
During Tuesday's Board meeting, members also approved measures for transitioning non-religious personnel within the TTD through alternative pathways or a Voluntary Retirement Scheme.
Additionally, the temple body resolved to pursue legal action against the production team of the movie "DD Next Level" for remixing the Govinda Namavali, which disrespects the sentiments of the devotees.
The Board committed to expanding the green cover in the Tirumala hills, aiming to increase it from the current 68.14 percent to 80 percent in collaboration with the Forest Department, as directed by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
TTD has allocated Rs 4 crore to the Forest Department in phases, including Rs 1.74 crore for 2025-26, Rs 1.13 crore for 2026-27, and Rs 1.13 crore for 2027-28.
The Board also approved an additional Rs 71 crore annually to the existing Rs 60 crore support for SVIMS Super Specialty Hospital, which provides essential medical services to many underprivileged individuals in Rayalaseema.
Plans were also made to recruit doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff for vacant positions at SVIMS and to complete ongoing construction projects.
Furthermore, the Board decided to introduce Srivari Vaidya Seva, modeled after the Srivari Seva voluntary service, inviting medical experts to provide care for patients.