TTD TAKES UP FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES ON A WIDE RANGE IN SESHACHALAM RANGES

TIRUMALA, MARCH 19: With the forest fire engulfing the wide stretch of Seshachala ranges, TTD plunged into fire fighting mechanism under the instructions of TTD EO Sri MG Gopal in the personal supervision of Tirumala JEO Sri KS Sreenivasa Raju on Wednesday.

About 500 workers belonging to Engineering, Forest and Health departments of TTD were pressed into the activity to halt the fire menace in Tirumala ranges from 7.30am itself. The Fire Fighting Department officials also tried their best to prevent the fast spreading fire by gushing out waters in tankers near Kakulakona, Papavinasanam and Paruveta Mandapam forest areas.

Addressing media persons in mishap site, Tirumala JEO said, TTD has made elaborate arrangements to stop the forest fire. “It is very unfortunate that a massive forest fire swallowed up a vast area of forest belt in Tirumala ranges. On Tuesday evening the forest fire caught up but in the night though it appeared to have slowed down, due to heavy winds in Kakulakona area, it has multiplied to other areas. We have stalled the conventional windmill power due to the forest fire. We are also contemplating to use advance technology to put an end to this menace after discussing with Agama pundits. We are thankful to the mercy of Lord that this incident took place a day after Tumburu Teertham which witnessed heavy turnout of pilgrims in deep forests on the occasion. However we cannot draw a conclusion at this preliminary stage that whether this is a man made error or not”, he added.

Meanwhile over the instructions of CVSO Sri G Srinivas, Additional CVSO Sri Siva Kumar Reddy and other AVSOs took an active part in the fire fighting mechanism on Wednesday. SE II Ramesh Reddy, EEs and others were also present.

ISSUED BY TTDs PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, TIRUPATI