WILD BOARS SEEN NEAR BALAJI TEMPLE IN TIRUMALA

Wild boars were found roaming on the streets in the vicinity of Lord Balaji temple at Tirumala late on Saturday night. On noticing this, officials of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) started fixing meshes to the entry points to prevent the wild boar from entering human habitation.

It may be mentioned here that during the lockdown the animals were seen moving around in groups in search of food at various locations of Tirumala. One of the reasons for the boars frequenting the hill town was that nearly 25 tonnes of garbage is generated daily because of 40,000 pilgrims every day.

Though the TTD took measures to prevent these animals from entering Tirumala, they managed to beat the barriers in their search for food.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, TTD vigilance and security officer G. Balireddy said that they are in pursuit of permanent and concrete measures to prevent wild boars from straying into the streets.

“On Saturday night, we received information about wild boars straying. As an immediate measure, we have arranged iron mesh and chain-links at all entry and exit points along the four mada streets. To put an end to this menace, we are in consultation with forest officials for chalking out plans to erect such fences on the outer corridor of Tirumala, so that the wild animals will not be able to enter the inner corridor”, Reddy explained.

In fact, the abode of Lord Venkateswara located in the midst of the lush green Seshachalam biosphere, is home to many wild and endangered animals, including elephants, leopards, hyena, golden jackal, Indian fox, jungle cat, sloth bear, spotted deer, mouse deer, and four-horned antelope.

The TTD, which manages the affairs of the holy shrine, keeps a tab on the movement of wild animals especially leopards and elephants to keep them at bay from the temple town. They rely on advanced surveillance systems and take measures accordingly.