JOIN USRestrictions back in Tirumala as Covid-19 cases rise in Andhra Pradesh
As the second wave intensity spreads, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams revisited its Covid-19 restrictions.
The TTD management announced that the Sarva-darshan daily tokens are being reduced from the present 22,000 to 15,000 and that the number of online special darshan tickets (Rs 300) would also be cut depending on the developing situation.
The Tirumala Tirupati temple board was letting over 50,000 footfalls into the Lord Venkateshwara temple till Tuesday, up from the 6000 pilgrims allowed when the temple had reopened in June.
The celebrated shrine was closed for about three months last summer due to the rise in virus cases across the country. The Tirumala temple used to attract about 75,000 pilgrims, on average, daily.
The easing of the Covid-19 rules is stated as the main reason for the new daily cases hovering above 50,000 lately in the country.
Andhra Pradesh, where the fresh cases fell below the 100-mark for several days recently, has now been reporting about 1000 cases daily. The state had recorded such intensity in the virus spread last time in November.
Chittoor district, where the famous pilgrimage centres like Tirupati, Srikalahasti, Kanipakkam are located is among the top contributors to the state's Covid-19 case tally.
On Wednesday, TTD officials stated that devotees should wear masks compulsorily at all times in the Vaikuntam queue complex, Srivari temple, Anna prasadam building, Kalyanakatta and also maintain social distancing in other public places in Tirumala. A devotee with fever, cold and cough are advised to not visit Tirumala
Thermal screening facilities were reset at entry points and places of gathering. Devotees will be allowed at the Alipiri Check Point only after 1 pm for their next day darshan and those trekking from Alipiri and from Srivarimettu will be allowed only after 9 am for their darshan slot the next day. All vehicles will be sanitized at Alipiri.
Devotees will be allowed inside the Vaikuntham Complex only half an hour before their allotted darshan time. Only two persons allowed in each accommodation room at Tirumala and complete sanitation to be carried out after every stay.
“Devotees from other states especially Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra should take note of the reduction in the Sarva Darshan tokens issued at Tirupati,” a senior official said.
TTD is also reviewing its earlier decision to revive the arjita sevas from April 14 in view of the spike in Covid-19 cases.