Archive · 6 Aug 2026
TUDA plans Seshachala rainwater storage to solve Tirupati water crisis
The city of Tirupati sometimes does not have enough clean water for everyone.
A group of important people wants to fix this problem.
They work for the Tirupati Urban Development Authority, or TUDA for short.
Their leader, Mr. Divakar Reddy, has a new plan.
The plan is to catch rainwater that flows down the Seshachala hills.
They will make the ponds in the forest bigger so they can hold more water.
They will also dig long pits that let rainwater soak into the ground.
This fills up the water stored deep underground.
That way, people in Tirupati will have enough water even when it is dry.
It will also help the many pilgrims who visit Tirumala.
The government will pay for the work, and they promise not to harm the forest.
TUDA Chairman Divakar Reddy announced plans to capture and store rainwater flowing from Seshachala hills to address Tirupati's recurring drinking water crisis.
The project is a core component of the 'City of Lakes' initiative and will be executed with state government funding.
Three natural ponds in the Kapila Teertham forest area will be expanded to increase water holding capacity.
Work includes digging 200-meter soak pits and developing larger retention ponds along a five-kilometer stretch to recharge groundwater.
A joint inspection team studied forest streams at Divyaramam, Malvadi Gundam, and Kapila Teertham, while beautification of the historic Peruru tank is progressing after tender completion.
- Who
- TUDA Chairman Divakar Reddy, Municipal Commissioner Sarada Devi, and senior engineers from municipal, TUDA, and irrigation departments.
- What
- Plans to capture and store rainwater from the Seshachala hills, including expanding ponds and digging soak pits, as part of the 'City of Lakes' initiative.
- When
- Announced on Wednesday during a joint inspection of forest catchment areas.
- Where
- Tirupati, specifically the forest stretches of Divyaramam, Malvadi Gundam, and Kapila Teertham in the Seshachala hills.
- Why
- To solve Tirupati's recurring drinking water challenges, recharge depleted groundwater tables, and secure water for local residents and Tirumala pilgrims.
- Organization
- Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA)
- Initiative
- 'City of Lakes'
- Location
- Tirupati, Seshachala hills catchment area
- Key areas inspected
- Divyaramam, Malvadi Gundam, Kapila Teertham
- Ponds to be expanded
- 3 natural ponds in Kapila Teertham forest
- Soak pits
- 200 meters
- Retention stretch
- 5 kilometers
- Funding
- State government
- Other work
- Beautification of historic Peruru tank in progress