<p>Heavy rain since Saturday night at Tirupati city and the Tirumala hills has put pilgrims to hardship, with many caught unawares by water-logging around the temple.<br />Rain water entered guest halls and the open area in front of the temple which earlier housed the 1000-pillar structure. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Many took shelter in shops, Nadaneerajanam open auditorium and eateries to save themselves from the downpour.<br /><br />Water has been gushing down the walkway, making it difficult for pilgrims. Boulders continued to roll down near 11 km on Ghat Road-2, which has been closed partially. <br />Falling of boulders from hillocks has been reported on Ghat Road-1 that brings down the passengers. <br /><br />However, only part of Road -2 has been closed so far. Vehicles have been diverted through a link road. <br /><br />Normal life was affected in Tirupati city also with floodwater entering houses in low-lying areas. Govindarajaswamy second choultry was inundated. <br /><br />The rain has brought some cheer, too. TTD authorities who were worried over the dwindling drinking water sources on the hills are relieved with all water projects receiving copious inflows. <br /><br />With the reservoirs brimming and the water levels touching the danger mark, officials have opened the gates of all the dams, including Papavinasanam, Gogarbham, Kumaradhara and Pasupudhara and Akasaganga. <br /><br />Authorities said Tirumala has received 1,049 mm rain in recent days, whereas the average rainfall in November so far was only 300 mm.<br /><br />“Tirumala will now have enough water to quench the thirst of pilgrims,” TTD Chairman Ch Krishnamurthy said.<br /></p>
<p>Heavy rain since Saturday night at Tirupati city and the Tirumala hills has put pilgrims to hardship, with many caught unawares by water-logging around the temple.<br />Rain water entered guest halls and the open area in front of the temple which earlier housed the 1000-pillar structure. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Many took shelter in shops, Nadaneerajanam open auditorium and eateries to save themselves from the downpour.<br /><br />Water has been gushing down the walkway, making it difficult for pilgrims. Boulders continued to roll down near 11 km on Ghat Road-2, which has been closed partially. <br />Falling of boulders from hillocks has been reported on Ghat Road-1 that brings down the passengers. <br /><br />However, only part of Road -2 has been closed so far. Vehicles have been diverted through a link road. <br /><br />Normal life was affected in Tirupati city also with floodwater entering houses in low-lying areas. Govindarajaswamy second choultry was inundated. <br /><br />The rain has brought some cheer, too. TTD authorities who were worried over the dwindling drinking water sources on the hills are relieved with all water projects receiving copious inflows. <br /><br />With the reservoirs brimming and the water levels touching the danger mark, officials have opened the gates of all the dams, including Papavinasanam, Gogarbham, Kumaradhara and Pasupudhara and Akasaganga. <br /><br />Authorities said Tirumala has received 1,049 mm rain in recent days, whereas the average rainfall in November so far was only 300 mm.<br /><br />“Tirumala will now have enough water to quench the thirst of pilgrims,” TTD Chairman Ch Krishnamurthy said.<br /></p>
