The Andhra Pradesh High Court has issued a stern directive to prevent unauthorized building in Tirumala, emphasizing the need to preserve the holy topography of the shrine. The court threatened that unchecked development would convert Tirumala into a concrete jungle and instructed Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) authorities to closely watch construction activities on the premises. It was concerned that continuous sanctions for illegal buildings would lead to deforestation and environmental damage.
In a strong warning, the court clarified that religious institutions cannot be allowed to start construction works at their convenience in Tirumala. It emphasized that any deviation would attract stern legal repercussions. In addition, Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department Principal Secretary, TTD Executive Officer (EO), and heads of many religious institutions were directed to file a detailed report on ongoing and planned constructions.
This action was made in reaction to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by resident Mahesh in Tirupati, who alleged that various religious institutions were constructing unauthorized buildings despite TTD inaction. He requested the court to direct TTD to interfere and stop illicit activities at once.
A bench led by Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice Cheemalapati Ravi heard both sides’ arguments. TTD’s lawyer Sumanth briefed the court that action had been taken against a religious organization’s illegal construction according to earlier judicial orders.
The court action has attracted much attention, with the faithful as well as environmentalists expressing fears about the unregulated growth in Tirumala. Officials now have to put tighter control measures in place to protect the spiritual and environmental sanctity of the sacred temple town.