Sacred Hills, Stronger Ecology: Tirumala Achieves 89.40% Green Cover
Tirumala, May 17 (TNT) : Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has reinforced its position as one of India’s leading institutions in ecological conservation, with the latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR) recording an impressive 89.40 per cent green cover across the sacred Seshachalam Hills.
The vast forest ecosystem surrounding Tirumala is playing a crucial role in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and carbon storage while continuing to support the spiritual needs of millions of pilgrims visiting the hill shrine every year.
The TTD Forest Department currently manages 2,719 hectares of forest land, of which nearly 2,431 hectares remain under dense forest vegetation.
The green cover spread across the Eastern Ghats has become a vital ecological shield for the region amid rising environmental concerns and climate change challenges.
Protecting the forests of the Seshachalam Hills since 1980, the department has intensified conservation measures through round-the-clock anti-poaching patrols, forest fire prevention systems, and large-scale native plantation drives.
As part of its ecological restoration programme, TTD is gradually replacing exotic Acacia plantations with indigenous species such as Peepal, Banyan, Red Sanders, Sandalwood, Gooseberry, Jamun, Mango, and Champak across 576 hectares. Restoration work has already been completed in 22 hectares.
Environmental sustainability initiatives have also been strengthened through dedicated nurseries cultivating native, ornamental, and medicinal plants required for forest regeneration and greenery development projects.
The Seshachalam forests are home to rich wildlife, including elephants, leopards, bears, and several reptile species. To minimise human-animal conflict during the harsh summer season, the Forest Department has created special water saucer pits inside forest areas to ensure wildlife has access to water sources without entering human habitations.
Special snake rescue teams have also been deployed in Tirumala to manage human-snake encounters in pilgrim areas.
In addition to biodiversity conservation, the department maintains 24 kilometres of green road dividers and 25 gardens across Tirumala and Tirupati, contributing to urban greenery and environmental aesthetics.
TTD is also implementing major eco-restoration projects such as Pavitra Vanam, Divya Oushadha Vanam, and the Palamaneru Timber Plantation initiative in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India to further strengthen wildlife conservation and ecological resilience.
Officials said the overarching goal of the TTD Forest Department is to preserve the sacred natural heritage of the Seshachalam Hills and ensure its ecological wealth is protected for future generations.
TNT TS
