

TIRUPATI: For the first time in history, steps leading to the famous Tirupati temple were out of bounds for devotees because of a major forest fire raging nearby.



Although the temple area is fortunately unaffected, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam officials have shut shops and business establishments along the 2,500-step path as thick smoke in the area was causing breathing difficulties and reduced visibility.



The TTD officials said they were taking all steps for the safety of devotees. As a precautionary measure, the pedestrian pathway from Alipiri was closed down.



But this wasn’t all: the fire brought about many firsts.



Tirumala is a no-fly zone, but helicopters and chemical-spraying aircraft had to be pressed into service to assess the damage caused by the conflagration and to try and put it out.



The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam confirmed that two MI-17 copters were employed in an aerial survey to assess the situation, as well as drive water from KP and Gogarbham dams to prevent further spread of the fire. So far about 400 hectares of forest cover has burnt to ashes.



Also, two C130 aircraft -- which have expertise in chemical spraying to put off the fire – were used.



The Times Now video gives a sense of the urgency around the Seshachalam forests, where a fire broke out in the forested Tirumala hills on Tuesday afternoon. Reports of a second fire are also doing the rounds. In 2013, Tirupati had become the most visited domestic tourist destination in India, beating the Taj Mahal.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary P K Mohanty said the director general of forests and the director general of fire services also rushed to Tirumala from Delhi on Thursday.



Earlier, Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan alerted the chief of air staff, naval authorities and other heads of armed forces. He said he was personally monitoring the situation and hoped that the fire would soon be brought under control. He said there was no need for panic.



Also see:

Press meet by TTD EO on fire mishap measures









































