TTD Declares No Leopard Zone on Tirumala Footpath – New Safety Plan
Published May 28, 2025 · Last updated
TTD to declare No Leopard Zone on Tirumala footpath. Wildlife measures enhanced with fencing, night restrictions, and forest patrols for devotee safety. This is part of the TTD No Leopard Zone Tirumala Footpath initiative.
TTD No Leopard Zone Tirumala Footpath – Wildlife Safety Enhanced
TTD to declare No Leopard Zone on Tirumala footpath. Wildlife measures enhanced with fencing, night restrictions, and forest patrols for devotee safety.
In response to multiple leopard sightings along the Tirumala footpaths, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has announced its decision to declare parts of the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu routes as a ‘No Leopard Zone’. This plan aims to protect pilgrims, especially families and children walking on foot to the holy hill shrine, ensuring that the TTD No Leopard Zone on the Tirumala Footpath is effective.
Key Safety Measures Introduced
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| No Leopard Zone Declaration | Marking identified zones as restricted wildlife access |
| Iron Mesh Fencing | 8-feet-high fencing along forested sections |
| Night Movement Ban | No footpath access allowed after 6:00 PM |
| Forest Department Surveillance | Thermal cameras and increased patrols |
| Awareness Boards | Safety signage placed along footpaths |
Footpath Routes Covered Under Plan
Alipiri Footpath (Tirupati to Tirumala)
Srivari Mettu (Chandragiri side)
TTD aims to ensure both footpaths remain safe, accessible, and monitored without disrupting the spiritual journey of walking pilgrims on the TTD No Leopard Zone Tirumala Footpaths.
Reason Behind the No Leopard Zone Initiative
Recent incidents of leopards being captured on CCTV near ghat roads and forest trails triggered public concern. TTD and the Forest Department jointly analyzed the movement patterns and decided to take measures including the TTD No Leopard Zone on the Tirumala Footpath to ensure safety.
Designate certain danger zones as restricted wildlife zones
Increase fencing and surveillance infrastructure
Avoid human-wildlife contact, especially during early mornings and nights
Updated Footpath Timings for Safety
| Footpath | Open Time | Close Time |
|---|---|---|
| Alipiri Steps | 4:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Srivari Mettu | 6:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
No devotee will be allowed to start walking after cut-off times, and existing checkpoints will be used to verify Aadhaar and track movement through the TTD No Leopard Zone Tirumala Footpath.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I walk to Tirumala after 6:00 PM?
No. Both footpaths are closed by evening for safety reasons to ensure compliance with the TTD No Leopard Zone Tirumala Footpath.
Q: Are leopards still roaming in these zones?
As per latest updates, leopards have been spotted previously. Preventive steps are now in place to stop future movement.
Q: Are there forest guards on duty?
Yes. Forest department personnel and TTD vigilance teams patrol regularly to enforce the TTD No Leopard Zone Tirumala Footpath rules.
Q: Can children walk safely on these paths?
Yes, during allowed hours. Avoid solo walks and follow safety instructions to ensure safety in the TTD No Leopard Zone Tirumala Footpath area.
Related Links
Editor’s Note — Tirumala Update, April 2026
As of April 2026, Tirumala continues to be among the world’s busiest pilgrimage destinations, with daily pilgrim footfall typically ranging between 60,000 and 90,000 on ordinary weekdays and climbing well past 1 lakh on weekends, school holidays, and festival periods. Sarva Darshan (free) queue wait times have generally hovered between 8 and 24 hours depending on the day, while Special Entry Darshan (SED) slots continue to move considerably faster. The TTD Board, under the Government of Andhra Pradesh, continues to review operational policies, tender processes, and temple administration matters periodically.
- For latest official announcements and press releases, refer to news.tirumala.org.
- For booking and pilgrim services, always verify on tirumala.org before travel.
Pilgrims are advised to plan extra buffer time during peak seasons.
