Tirumala Takes Major Step Toward Environmental Sustainability
In a landmark decision aimed at preserving the sacred environment of Lord Venkateswara's abode, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has announced it will replace all conventional vehicles operating between Tirumala and Tirupati with electric vehicles through a phased implementation plan.
The initiative represents one of the most significant environmental moves by any religious institution in India, targeting the complete elimination of fossil fuel-powered transportation serving one of the world's most visited religious sites.
First Steps Toward Green Transformation
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams additional executive officer Ch Venkaiah Chowdary convened a crucial meeting on Friday with senior consultants, officials from the Union ministry of road transport and highways, and APSRTC representatives to launch this ambitious project.
During the meeting, Chowdary outlined the comprehensive environmental measures being undertaken by TTD, which includes a 10-year action plan designed to increase forest cover at Tirumala from the current 32% in 2025 to 45% by 2035.
The massive scale of this initiative becomes clear when considering that Tirumala attracts approximately 2.5 crore devotees annually, creating significant transportation demands between the twin temple towns.
Phased Implementation Strategy
"To further strengthen efforts to reduce pollution levels at Tirumala, which draws 2.5 crore devotees annually, the trust has decided to phase out all APSRTC buses running on conventional fuel and replace them with EV buses," Chowdary stated during the meeting.
The transition will not be limited to just the buses operated by TTD. The plan also includes encouraging private taxis and rental vehicle operators serving the Tirupati-Tirumala route to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Recommendations from consultants, led by senior consultant Sunil Joshi, will be presented before the next TTD trust board meeting, where formal orders will be issued to accelerate the migration of both TTD-owned and state-run vehicles to electric alternatives.
Comprehensive Environmental Vision
The electric vehicle initiative forms part of a broader environmental conservation strategy being implemented by the temple administration. The simultaneous focus on increasing forest cover demonstrates a holistic approach to preserving Tirumala's ecological balance.
Key officials present at the meeting included TTD DFO Phani Kumar Naidu and Vigilance and Security Officer Surendra, indicating the multi-departmental coordination required for successful implementation of this green transformation.
This groundbreaking move positions Tirumala as a leader in environmental stewardship among religious destinations worldwide, setting a precedent for other pilgrimage centers to follow in adopting sustainable transportation solutions.
