Andhra to cancel controversial land allotments near Tirumala Hills

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced that only Hindus should work at the Tirumala temple, with plans to reassign non-Hindu employees to other departments to protect religious sentiments. Emphasizing that the seven hills are Lord Venkateswara's property, Naidu declared that no "unholy activities" or commercial ventures should take place in Tirumala.

The Chief Minister on Friday confirmed the cancellation of land allocations near Alipiri for Mumtaz Hotels Pvt Ltd, MRKR, and Devlok projects, pledging to protect Srivari properties throughout the country.

The land allocations near Alipiri Srivari Padalu for several hospitality projects had sparked significant controversy, with sadhus and religious personalities protesting to safeguard the sanctity of the sacred seven hills of Tirumala demanding to cancel these allotments. Mumtaz Hotels Limited, an Oberoi Group subsidiary, had been allocated 20 acres by the previous YSRCP government for a resort featuring 100 luxury villas with a planned investment of Rs 250 crore.

Speaking at Sri Padmavathi Rest House in Tirumala on Friday, Naidu revealed that although the Oberoi Group had offered to serve only vegetarian food at their proposed resort, this compromise was rejected. Alternative arrangements are being made for the hospitality group while canceling the current land allotment, he said.

Naidu shared personal sentiments about the temple, mentioning that he had his grandson participate in Annaprasada Seva, adding, "It gives me immense satisfaction if we can teach good manners and morals to future generations."

The Chief Minister highlighted reforms from his previous tenure and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Tirumala's sanctity. He referenced initiatives started under N.T. Rama Rao's leadership, including the Annaprasadam Trust and later the Pranadanam Trust, as well as the Srivari Seva Voluntary Service.

Naidu announced plans to construct Sri Venkateswara temples across India and internationally through the establishment of Sri Venkateswara Alayala Nirmana Nidhi, utilizing SRIVANI Trust funds transparently. “Now we are contemplating to take up the construction of Srivari temples all over the country as well overseas by setting up Sri Venkateswara Alayala Nirmana Nidhi. The funds of SRIVANI Trust will also be utilized for this noble cause in a proper and transparent manner. We have an excellent Temple Eco system in Andhra Pradesh and the ultimate goal of our government is to develop all these temples. It was during my earlier regime that the waters from Kalyani Dam were pumped and supplied to Tirumala. So we will ensure that there will be no dearth for water facilities in future also'', he added.