9 hrs ago
Tirumala Boosts Security and Crowd Controls for Garuda Seva
Tirumala is preparing for a very large religious procession called Garuda Seva.
Lord Malayappa Swamy will be carried on the Garuda Vahanam.
Many devotees began arriving on Friday to watch it.
Officials expect more than three lakh people to attend.
More than 6,000 police personnel are helping keep people safe.
Food, drinks and temporary toilets will be available for devotees waiting in galleries.
Special ropes will help keep the procession route clear.
Some VIPs have asked for special passes and places close to the procession.
Officials say managing these requests can make crowd control harder.
Some pilgrims want officials to give priority to the safety and movement of all devotees.
More than 6,000 police personnel have been deployed for Garuda Vahana Seva.
TTD expects over three lakh devotees to attend the procession.
Security teams have identified gallery entry points, exits and holding areas.
Food, beverages and temporary toilets have been arranged for waiting devotees.
VIP pass requests and close-access demands are complicating crowd management.
- Who
- TTD officials, district revenue and police departments, devotees, and VIP pass applicants are involved.
- What
- Arrangements are being made for Lord Malayappa Swamy’s Garuda Vahana Seva during the annual Brahmotsavams.
- Where
- Tirumala, including the galleries and four Mada streets.
- When
- The Garuda Seva is scheduled for Saturday; devotees began arriving on Friday.
- Why
- To regulate the large crowd, secure the procession and ensure devotees’ safety.
Pilgrim Safety and Access
VIP Pass Requests and Access
Priority around the procession
Pilgrim Safety and Access
Some pilgrims say crowd management should prioritize the smooth movement and safety of all devotees.
VIP Pass Requests and Access
Politicians, government officials and TTD trust board members have sought special passes and viewing positions close to the vahanam.
Effect on crowd control
Pilgrim Safety and Access
Pilgrims are concerned that VIP presence near the vahanam can reduce space available to ordinary devotees.
VIP Pass Requests and Access
Some trust board members arrive with relatives and associates and seek additional passes, creating further demands on limited viewing space.
Managing visitors
Pilgrim Safety and Access
Officials say ordinary devotees generally cooperate with security personnel and should be able to move safely through the event areas.
VIP Pass Requests and Access
Officials say regulating VIP movement can be more difficult because of special access requests and accompanying groups.
Key facts
- Expected attendance
- More than three lakh devotees
- Police deployment
- More than 6,000 police personnel
- Event
- Garuda Vahana Seva during the annual Brahmotsavams
- Crowd facilities
- Food, beverages and temporary toilets at the galleries
- Security system
- Three-layer red, green and white rope barrier
- Additional challenge
- Growing requests for VIP passes and access near the vahanam
Sources
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