Thu May 22 04:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Tirupati Temple to Deploy Anti-Drone Tech Amid Security Concerns

**Tirupati, India** – The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the Sri Venkateswara temple, one of the world’s wealthiest Hindu shrines, has announced it will implement anti-drone technology to bolster security. The decision, made at a recent TTD Trust Board meeting chaired by B. R. Naidu, comes in response to growing concerns about unauthorized drone activity near the temple.

Despite a ban on drones in the area, several incidents of security breaches have been reported. Last month, a YouTuber was arrested for allegedly recording the temple and its surroundings with a drone. A similar incident occurred last year involving a couple using a drone camera along the Tirumala ghat road.

In March, the TTD urged the central government to declare a no-fly zone over the temple, citing the principles of Agama Shastra, the sanctity of the temple, the safety of devotees, and their religious sentiments. The TTD believes that aerial activity disrupts the sacred atmosphere of the hill shrine.

Beyond security measures, the TTD Board also approved several other initiatives. This includes plans to transfer non-religious staff through alternative roles or a Voluntary Retirement Scheme. Legal action will also be taken against the crew of the movie “DD Next Level” for remixing the Govinda Namavali, a sacred chant, which the board considers offensive to devotees.

In addition to security and religious sensitivities, the board has pledged to increase the green cover on the Tirumala hills from 68.14% to 80% through collaboration with the Forest Department. The TTD will release ₹4 crore in phases to support this initiative.

Furthermore, the board approved an increase in financial aid to the SVIMS Super Specialty Hospital, providing an additional ₹71 crore per year on top of the current ₹60 crore. This will enable the hospital to better serve the poor and needy in the Rayalaseema region. Vacant positions for doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff will be filled, and construction on ongoing buildings will be completed.

Finally, a new volunteer service called “Srivari Vaidya Seva,” similar to the existing Srivari Seva, will be introduced to invite medical experts to offer their services to patients at the hospital.

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