Greening Tirumala: Andhra Pradesh's Conservation Triumph

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu heaped praises on the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Monday for their outstanding achievement in expanding forest cover in Tirumala. The Seshachalam Hills region now boasts an impressive 89.4 per cent green coverage, underscoring the state's commitment to conservation.

The latest figure, derived from the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), reveals that about 2,431 hectares out of 2,719 under TTD jurisdiction are thriving with forest vegetation. This remarkable achievement is the result of sustained efforts by the temple authority to preserve native species and restore ecological balance within the holy site.

'Our traditions regard nature as sacred, and protecting forests and wildlife is a service to the divine,' stated Naidu in a digital post, highlighting the cultural significance of these efforts. The TTD has undertaken numerous initiatives, including native plantation drives and wildlife protection, cementing Tirumala's status as a greener, more sustainable pilgrimage destination.

(With inputs from agencies.)