Illegal Constructions on Tirumala Hills: AP High Court Issues Strong Remarks

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has made significant observations regarding constructions in the sacred town of Tirumala. During a hearing on a petition seeking action against unauthorized constructions violating regulations, the court directed the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to handle the matter with utmost caution.

The court emphasized the need to prevent Tirumala from turning into a "concrete jungle" and expressed concern that continued illegal constructions could lead to the disappearance of the surrounding forest area in the future. The bench asserted that religious institutions and monasteries (mathas) could not undertake indiscriminate constructions under the guise of religious activities.

The High Court noted that action had already been ordered against an unauthorized construction undertaken by a monastery. Additionally, it issued notices to some other monasteries that had carried out constructions in Tirumala. The court directed the Secretary of the Endowments Department, the Executive Officer of TTD, and the Director General of TTD Vigilance and Enforcement to submit a detailed counter with complete information. The next hearing on the matter has been scheduled for May 7.