The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has recorded an 89.4 per cent forest cover across its 2,719-hectare jurisdiction in the Seshachalam Hills, placing the temple body among the leading institutions in India for green cover, according to the latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR). Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday, 18 May congratulated the TTD on the milestone, calling forest protection 'a service to the divine.'

What the Numbers Show

Of the total 2,719 hectares under TTD limits, nearly 2,431 hectares are now under active forest vegetation — a figure that the ISFR has formally recognised. The achievement reflects decades of sustained effort: the TTD's forest department has been protecting the Seshachalam Hill ranges in the Eastern Ghats since 1980, maintaining ecological balance while simultaneously managing the spiritual infrastructure for millions of pilgrims annually.

Conservation Measures on the Ground

The TTD forest department operates across four forest ranges — two in Tirumala and two in Tirupati — each headed by a Forest Range Officer under the overall supervision of the Deputy Conservator of Forests. Round-the-clock flying squad teams patrol the area to prevent illegal tree felling and poaching. Every year, approximately 26.5 kilometres of fire lines are maintained to contain forest fires, with trained response teams on standby.

Restoring Native Species Over Exotic Plantations

A flagship biodiversity initiative is underway to replace exotic Acacia plantations with native vegetation across 576 hectares, of which 22 hectares have been completed so far. Native species being planted include peepal, banyan, cluster fig, sandalwood, red sanders, champak, mango, gooseberry, and jamun. Special nurseries across all four ranges supply saplings for these restoration drives, covering ornamental and medicinal plants as well.

Wildlife Protection and Human-Animal Conflict

The Seshachalam forests are home to elephants, leopards, bears, and various snake species. To reduce human-wildlife conflict, the TTD has installed saucer pits — water reservoirs filled regularly during summer — to prevent animals from straying into human settlements in search of water. Additionally, three snake rescue teams remain on constant alert within the queue-line premises to handle human-snake encounters.

What Naidu Said

Chief Minister Naidu, in a post on X, said: 'Our traditions regard nature as sacred, and protecting forests and wildlife is a service to the divine. I appreciate these efforts, which will help preserve a greener and healthier Tirumala for future generations.' The Chief Minister specifically highlighted the TTD's role in restoring native species in the Seshachalam Hills through sustained conservation measures.

With the native species restoration programme still covering only 22 of the targeted 576 hectares, the bulk of the ecological work lies ahead — but the ISFR recognition signals that the foundation is firmly in place.