Sat Apr 19 14:24:33 UTC 2025: **Tirumala Launches Cleanliness Initiative Amidst Ongoing Plastic Waste Problem**
TIRUMALA, April 19, 2025 – The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) launched the “Swachh Andhra-Swachh Tirumala” initiative on Saturday to combat the ongoing issue of hygiene in the temple town. The initiative, which kicked off with a cleanliness drive at Kunkala Point, aims to encourage devotees and visitors to dispose of waste properly. TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary urged pilgrims to refrain from littering, despite an existing ban on plastic within Tirumala. Approximately 400 TTD staff, police, Srivari Sevaks, and students participated in the initial clean-up. While the initiative is a welcome step, the persistent problem of plastic waste discarded by pilgrims remains a significant challenge.
First Piper 