Mon Mar 24 04:50:00 UTC 2025: **Andhra Pradesh Cancels Hotel Projects Near Tirumala Hills Amidst Protests**
TIRUPATI, Andhra Pradesh – Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced the cancellation of land allotments and construction permits for three hotels near the sacred Tirumala Hills on Friday. The decision follows widespread protests from Hindu groups and religious leaders who opposed the projects, citing concerns about commercialization and sacrilege.
The most controversial project involved Mumtaz Hotels, a subsidiary of the Oberoi Group, which was granted permission by the previous government to build a luxury resort on 20 acres of land. Two other companies, Emaar Constructions (5 acres) and Devlok Group (10.32 acres), also had their permits revoked.
Protests intensified after the Mumtaz Hotels project was approved in 2021, with several public interest litigations filed in the Andhra Pradesh High Court. Critics argued the development violated the spiritual purity of the Tirumala region and the Sri Venkateswara Temple. While the Oberoi Group offered assurances about vegetarian food and a name change, the Chief Minister remained firm in his decision.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple, filed an affidavit supporting the cancellation, stating that the proposed amenities, including bars and spas, would contradict Hindu traditions and damage the sanctity of the area.
Chief Minister Naidu emphasized the government’s commitment to preventing commercial activity near the Seven Hills of Tirumala, stating that alternative land may be offered to the companies at different locations. The cancellation of tenders for all three projects effectively ends the development plans near the holy site.
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