TTD priests oppose tunnel under Tirumala

Tirumala, July 18: Priests of the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala strongly objected to the State government's move to dig tunnels through the Seven Hills in the city. They warned that the proposals are against Agama sastra and it will bring misfortune to the state and people. The state government has planned to construct two tunnels of 8 km length to supply water to arid parts in the district from Balaji reservoir planned at Renigutna. Water would be pumped into the reservoir from Galeru-Nagari project. The proposed tunnels will pass through the Seshachalam forest and intersect with the sacred Seven Hills at some point. The government has already invited tenders for the Rs 2,000 crore project. In the past also there were reports that only two of the Seven Hills will come under the jurisdiction of the town, but State government clarified that all the Seven Hills are part of Tirumala and promised to include more land.