Latest news with #JSyamalaRao
NDTV
a day ago
- Politics
- NDTV
High-Capacity Scanners And More: Tirupati Temple's Advanced New Security Plan
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is trying to future-proof the security preparedness of the world's most visited temple, Tirumala, drawing up a comprehensive short-term and long-term sustainable security plan for the next 40 years. TTD held a high-level meeting with infrastructure giant L&T on Friday. The discussions, led by TTD Executive Officer J Syamala Rao and Additional Executive Officer Ch Venkaiah Chowdary, focused on a comprehensive revamp of the security apparatus, with a particular emphasis on the critical Alipiri Checkpoint. L&T's team of experts gave a detailed presentation outlining state-of-the-art security facilities. The proposed upgrades for the Alipiri Checkpoint include the installation of high-capacity scanners for quicker and more efficient checks, advanced parking management systems, sophisticated traffic control mechanisms, and an integrated surveillance network. The plan also encompasses a common alarm management system, traffic enforcement technologies, including "No Helmet Detection," and a robust command and control system. TTD Executive Officer Rao insisted on a forward-looking approach. "Plans should be prepared to cater to the needs, keeping in view the next four decades of Tirumala," he said. Mr Rao urged the L&T representatives to present a comprehensive long-term and short-term plan for traffic checking and regulation, highlighting the need for sustained and adaptable security solutions. The meeting comes amidst longstanding and evolving security concerns surrounding Tirumala. As one of the world's most visited pilgrimage sites, drawing between 50,000 to over a lakh pilgrims daily, the sheer volume of visitors presents inherent challenges for security management. The visits by numerous VIPs and VVIPs further escalates the security threat perception, requiring stringent protocols to ensure their safety without unduly inconveniencing the common devotee. A stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by the region was the infamous Maoist attack on then-Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu at Alipiri in October 2003. Mr Naidu miraculously survived a powerful claymore mine blast, an incident that underscored the need for impenetrable security measures at this crucial entry point to the holy hills. Since then, while security has been consistently reviewed and enhanced, the TTD is now looking to future-proof its systems. The overhaul of security at Alipiri is expected to significantly enhance the safety of pilgrims and VIPs alike, streamlining entry processes while fortifying the gateway to one of India's most revered shrines against potential threats.
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- New Indian Express
TTD Executive Officer stresses tech use for hassle-free darshan
TIRUMALA: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Executive Officer J Syamala Rao has emphasised the need to leverage technology to provide timely darshan to devotees of Lord Venkateswara. In a virtual meeting with TCS and TTD IT officials, Rao called for enhancements in queue systems such as Sarva Darshan, Special Entry, and Divya Darshan. He directed adoption of QR codes and facial recognition to replace manual checks, ensuring faster verification and improved crowd management. He also urged awareness drives to ensure devotees report at their designated time slots. TCS representatives presented data on pilgrim movement from entry to darshan completion. The EO instructed regular review meetings and a strategic tech-based action plan. Additional EO Ch. Venkayya Chowdary, TTD GM IT Sesha Reddy, DyGM IT Venkateswara Naidu, and others attended the session.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Hans India
Utilise tech to ensure timely darshan for devotees: EO
Tirumala: TTD Executive Officer J Syamala Rao emphasised the need to utilise technology to ensure devotees get timely darshan of Sri Venkateswara Swamy. In a virtual meeting held on Tuesday with TCS representatives and TTD IT officials, along with Additional EO Ch Venkayya Chowdary, the EO stressed enhancing darshan systems for different queues like Sarva Darshan, Special Entry Darshan and Divya Darshan. He directed officials to adopt QR codes and facial recognition for faster verification of pilgrims, replacing manual checks and also highlighted the need to educate devotees to report at their allocated time slots to avoid delays and improve crowd management. TCS representatives presented a detailed analysis via PowerPoint, showcasing the time taken by pilgrims at various stages from entry into the queue, waiting in compartments, to exit after darshan. The EO instructed regular meetings and a strategic action plan to enhance efficiency through technology. TTD GM (IT) Sesha Reddy, Dy GM (IT) Venkateswara Naidu, and other officials participated in the meeting.
Hans India
5 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
TTD EO takes stock of digital payment glitches at Tirumala counters
Tirumala: Responding to concerns raised over the lack of digital payment facilities at sales counters in Tirumala, TTD executive officer J Syamala Rao conducted a surprise inspection on Monday evening to assess the situation firsthand. The visit came shortly after'The Hans India'published a report titled 'TTD counters remain cash-only despite digital push,' which highlighted the difficulties faced by pilgrims due to the unavailability of UPI-based payment options. Devotees have reportedly struggled to procure items like coconuts and incense sticks, often finding it hard to tender exact cash in smaller denominations. Taking serious note of the issue, the EO inspected several locations, starting from Swami Pushkarini and extending to the Gold Dollar sales counter, agarbatti and coconut counters, and the publication stalls situated in front of the Srivari Temple. During his rounds, Syamala Rao observed that poor mobile network connectivity was the primary reason for frequent delays and failures in UPI transactions at key counters near the temple. He instructed officials to coordinate with the TTD's IT wing to address the connectivity issue at the earliest and ensure smooth digital payment services for the convenience of pilgrims. Tirumala Temple Deputy EO Lokanatham and other senior officials accompanied him during the inspection.
Hans India
7 days ago
- Hans India
TTD EO directs timely completion of ongoing construction works
Tirupati: TTD EO J Syamala Rao instructed officials to complete all the ongoing construction works within stipulated timelines for the convenience of pilgrims. At a review meeting held along with the Additional EO and various Department Heads at the Administrative Building in Tirupati on Saturday, he stressed regular monitoring and strict supervision by the engineering officials. The EO directed enhanced vigilance on fake ticket sales, middlemen, and corruption, and suggested expanding Alipiri Toll Gate, with modern security equipment and improved surveillance. Departments were asked to study airport-level facilities and submit a report. The EO also suggested setting up a cold storage facility at the marketing Godown for storing cooking materials for Annaprasadam and more facilities to devotees at Kalyanakattas. He also reviewed temples development including Tiruchanoor, Kapilatheertham, Narayanavanam, Nagulapuram, Amaravati, Vontimitta, and Tirumala areas like Papavinasanam and Silathoranam, and sought updates on new temples at Navi Mumbai, Bandra, Yanam, Anantavaram and Ulundurpetai. The meeting was attended by JEO Veerabrahmam, CVSO Muralikrishna, FA & CAO Balaji, CE Satyanarayana and other officers.
