TTD steps for New Year darshan

By Our Staff Reporter

TIRUMALA, NOV. 22. Arrangements are being made at Tirumala and Tirupati to meet the rush, expected at the temple of Lord Venkateswara, on the eve of 2001 New Year.

The TTD Chief Executive Officer, Mr. P. Krishnaiah, who chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday said focus shall be laid on providing quick darshan, hygienic drinking water and fast accommodation for the pilgrims.

The TTD has decided to cancel the sale of all Arjitha seva tickets including the predawn rituals on January 1 to provide maximum time for the pilgrims. As against the practice of dispensing the advance reservation of the cottages on the New Year day, the TTD has decided to go ahead with the system, to enable the pilgrims reserve their accommodation in advance.

The TTD Public Relations Officer, Mr. Subhash Gowd, said the APSRTC officials had agreed to run bus a minute to the hills, from Tirupati. The APSRTC will also run 135 buses from different parts of the State. Seventyfour Inter-State buses shall be pressed into service, from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Both the ghat roads shall be kept open round the clock on December 31 and January 1.

Arrangements are made to provide free meals to pilgrims. Steps have been taken to maintain a buffer stock of laddus for free distribution. Eight first aid centres shall be set up at Tirumala.

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Section  : National
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