Leopard Sighting on Tirumala Path Prompts Safety Measures
A recent leopard sighting on the Tirumala path has raised concerns among devotees and authorities. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has implemented additional safety measures to protect pilgrims.
Leopard Spotted Near Galigopuram on Tirumala Path
In the early hours of March 4, 2025, a leopard was sighted near the Galigopuram area on the Alipiri walkway leading to the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala. The animal’s movements were captured by a CCTV camera around 1:00 AM. Fortunately, no devotees were present at that time, preventing any immediate danger.
TTD’s Immediate Response to Ensure Devotee Safety
Following the sighting, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) promptly implemented safety measures to protect pilgrims:
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Group Trekking: Devotees are now advised to trek in groups rather than alone.
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Child Restrictions: Children under 12 years old are restricted from using the walkway during certain hours.
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Increased Surveillance: TTD, in collaboration with the Forest Department, has intensified patrolling and monitoring along the trekking routes.
Recent Leopard Incidents on Tirumala Routes
This incident is part of a series of leopard sightings in the Tirumala region:
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January 2025: A leopard was spotted near Alipiri at the foothills of Tirumala, causing alarm among residents and pilgrims. August 2023: Tragically, a six-year-old girl was mauled to death by a leopard while trekking with her parents on the Alipiri footpath.
These incidents have heightened awareness about wildlife encounters in the area.
Safety Guidelines for Devotees Trekking to Tirumala
Devotees planning to trek to Tirumala are advised to follow these safety guidelines:
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Trek in Groups: Avoid walking alone; traveling in groups can deter wildlife encounters.
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Avoid Night Trekking: Refrain from trekking during late-night or early-morning hours when wildlife is more active.
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Supervise Children: Ensure children are under constant supervision and adhere to TTD’s age-related restrictions.
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Stay Vigilant: Be aware of your surroundings and report any wildlife sightings to authorities immediately.
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Follow Official Instructions: Adhere to guidelines and advisories issued by TTD and forest officials.
By following these precautions, devotees can help ensure a safe pilgrimage experience.
