TTD mulls season-wise SOPs to enhance safety of pilgrims

To counter the challenges posed by the inclement climatic conditions during monsoons and other seasons, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has decided to formulate season-wise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure maximum safety and convenience for devotees.

Chairing a virtual review meeting with senior officials on Tuesday, TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary reviewed the preparedness of vital departments and instructed the officials to come up with season-wise SOPs.

He instructed the officials to integrate with the command control room under the Chief Engineer for emergency management and proposed a dedicated division to assess and protect the structural stability of ancient gopurams and heritage buildings.

To minimise inconvenience during monsoon showers, the officials were directed to reduce SSD token issuance, ensure effective use of covered queue systems, and serve  annaprasadam on time. Security personnel would be deployed at waterfall viewpoints on the ghat road to prevent risky gatherings, while a 24×7 patrol vehicle would monitor both the ghat routes and share real-time updates.

Departments were also instructed to clear landslide debris without delay, pump out stagnant water, desilt underground drains, lay coir mats in slippery zones, including the four Mada Streetsm and laddu counters. The electrical and IT wings were told to ensure uninterrupted online services, install barricades near power junctions, and publicise a dedicated disaster response helpline.

All field staff will be equipped with raincoats, while the Medical Department has been placed on round-the-clock alert. The Additional EO stressed that separate SOPs for monsoons, winter and summer will be implemented to address seasonal challenges faced by pilgrims. (eom)