Chandrababu Naidu congratulates TTD on near 90% forest cover in Tirumala hills

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday (May 18, 2026) congratulated the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on achieving 89.40% forest cover in Tirumala through sustained conservation measures aimed at protecting forest wealth and restoring native species in the Seshachalam Hills.

He said in a message on ‘X’ that Indian traditions regard nature as sacred, and that protecting forests and wildlife was nothing but serving the divine. He appreciated the TTD’s efforts, saying it would help preserve a greener and healthier Tirumala for future generations.

The TTD had said in an earlier social media post that, continuing its commitment to preserve the biodiversity of Tirumala, it had achieved 89.40% green cover across the sacred hills.

Forest conservation since 1980

In a video slide posted on ‘X’, the TTD said its Forest Department had been protecting the forest wealth of the Seshachalam Hills since 1980. The department oversees 2,719 hectares of forest area, of which 2,431 hectares are under forest vegetation, according to the latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR). It operates across four forest ranges i.e. two in Tirumala and two in Tirupati; under the supervision of the Deputy Conservator of Forests.

A native plantation drive is being run across 576 hectares to replace exotic Acacia plantations, the TTD said. Indigenous species such as Peepal, Banyan, Cluster Fig, Indian Medlar, Champak, Mango, Sandalwood, Red Sanders, Gooseberry, and Jamun are being planted in phases. Work has been completed on 22 hectares so far. Special nurseries in all four ranges supply saplings for the restoration programme.

Around 26.5 km of fire lines are maintained every year to prevent forest fires, and 24-hour flying squad teams patrol the area to curb illegal tree felling and poaching, the TTD said.

The Seshachalam forests are home to elephants, leopards, bears, and snakes. To reduce human-wildlife conflict, saucer pits are arranged across the forest in summer to keep animals from venturing into human habitations in search of water. Three snake rescue teams remain on constant alert in the temple’s queue line premises.

The Forest Department also supplies sandalwood logs, firewood, and Darbha grass for temple rituals, and maintains 24 km of road dividers and 25 gardens in Tirumala and Tirupati. Current projects include the Pavitra Vanam, Divya Oushadha Vanam, and the Palamaneru Timber Plantation; the last run jointly by the TTD and the Wildlife Institute of India for the mitigation of wildlife conflicts.