With plans afoot to develop Goddess Padmavathi Devi temple at Tiruchanur on the cards, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is now focusing on identifying and developing water resources near the temple town.
The TTD wants to develop water resources to cater to the needs of the increasing devotees. There has been an increase in the number of pilgrims visiting the shrine and subsequently the Annadanam complex is also catering food to 5,000 pilgrims a day and the activity might further increase, if more facilities are developed in the town.
Even the potu (temple kitchen) activity is increasing and that too needs water. The TTD is also proposing to reconstruct the Thollappa gardens which will have nearly five kalyana mandapams. Another plan for construction of a pilgrim amenities complex with facilities like kalyana mandapam and a kalyanakatta in a 5.5-acre land at a cost of `68 crore, also requires more water. “We want to see that the TTD gets water on a permanent basis for all its needs,’’ a TTD official said.
According to sources, the TTD is contemplating to bring some of the natural tanks around Tiruchanur in to its fold and develop them.
“Once we get a dedicated tank from the district administration, we will develop it by taking up desilting works, strengthening of bunds and others,’’ the offitold this newspaper.
The TTD authorities hope that after the tank gets developed, the ground water resources will also develop in Tiruchanur and neighbouring areas.
The TTD is already facing problems with respect to supply of water to its facilities in Tirupati. Officials say that the water is being provided to Srininvasam pilgrim complex with the help of water tankers to avoid inconvenience to the pilgrims.
“We do not want such a situation in Tiruchanur and want to have a dedicated water sources for our present and future needs,’’ officials said.
This would also help the people of Tiruchanur town also as water can be provided for the town also.