TTD Board Unveils Revised Donor Policy and Major Pilgrim Projects

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board has approved a revised donor privilege policy, significant pilgrim infrastructure projects, and new amenities for devotees. The changes, announced by TTD Chairman B. R. Naidu and Executive Officer Muddada Ravichandra after a Board meeting on Tuesday, will take effect from midnight.

Transparency in Donations and Major Infrastructure Boost

The revised donor privileges aim to enhance transparency and uniformity in managing contributions, while existing donors will retain their current benefits. In a major boost to pilgrim amenities, the Board sanctioned ₹6.31 crore for permanent shelters, queue lines, and sanitation facilities near Alwar Tank for devotees holding SSD tokens. Additionally, ₹2.77 crore has been allocated for constructing a two-lane bridge to improve access to the Kumaradhara and Pasupudhara dams.

Green Energy Initiative and Museum Overhaul

As part of its green energy drive, TTD approved the installation of an 800-kW wind turbine generator, donated by Vish Wind Infrastructure, to ensure uninterrupted power for the next 25 years. The Board also fixed the entry fee for the S. V. Museum at ₹50 for visitors above 12 years and decided to approach Tata for managing the museum.

Waste Management and Fire Safety Upgrades

To address environmental concerns, ₹5 crore was sanctioned for scientific bio-remediation and bio-mining of legacy solid waste near Kakula Manutippa. An additional ₹2.35 crore was approved for maintaining fire safety systems in TTD temples and guest houses. Old buildings near the TBC and ATC guest houses will be replaced with donor-funded structures.

Pilgrim Rest House and Temple Development

The Board cleared tenders worth ₹17.84 crore for constructing a 100-room pilgrims’ rest house at the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple in Ontimitta. It also approved the use of one kilogram of gold from the TTD treasury to prepare gold kavachams for the temple's presiding deities.

Enhancing Pilgrim Amenities and Cultural Preservation

₹2.11 crore was allocated for land acquisition to widen the northeastern Mada Street and improve pilgrim amenities. Another ₹2.50 crore was sanctioned for development works at the Sri Tataiahgunta Gangamma Temple in Tirupati. Reaffirming its commitment to Vedic traditions, the Board approved the appointment of 791 honorary Vedic scholars to ensure uninterrupted recitation of the four Vedas in TTD temples and other prominent temples across Andhra Pradesh.

Additional Approvals

The Board also approved enhanced remuneration for artistes involved in religious and cultural projects, the upgrading of 65 server posts in TTD canteens to Catering Supervisor posts, and additional infrastructure at the Tirumala Octopus Base Camp. Furthermore, it sanctioned the printing of TTD’s 2027 diaries and calendars.

These decisions underscore TTD's commitment to improving pilgrim experiences, preserving traditions, and adopting sustainable practices. [S1-S7]

Source: The Hindu