Tirumala town of Lord Venkateswara, which was once known for its cool climatic conditions, is now reeling under high day temperatures that keep on rising – thanks to the global spike in mercury levels.
Construction of multi-storey complexes, guesthouses and laying of cement roads have contributed to this phenomenon. The day temperatures, which used to hover only around 32° C a couple of years back during summer, are now oscillating between 35° and 37° C.
The soaring temperatures have compounded the difficulties of the pilgrims who move barefooted not only while going into the temple for darshan of the deity but also while moving around the mada streets encircling the shrine as wearing of footwear is strictly prohibited.
Temporary measures
To combat the heat and protect the devout from the hot sun, the TTD has initiated measures like setting-up of summer pandals, smearing of roads with coolant paint and watering the red carpets spread along the mada streets periodically.
Not content with these temporary measures, the management, in another innovative idea, decided to set up computer-programmed water sprinklers all along the mada streets.
Under the project taken up by the Pune-based Jain Irrigation Company nozzles are set up for every one metre along a water pipeline that is drawn concurrent to the interior side of the road. The nozzles can spray water to a distance of five to six metres are regulated by an automatic device (valve) at every 60 metres. The valves are in turn connected to an electronic panel board that functions on a computer programme.
The entire operation will be monitored from at a pumping station being set-up for the purpose.
Further taking a pragmatic approach the management also has decided to set up the sprinklers along side the road leading to the ‘laddu’ counters situated adjacent to the main temple complex.
The entire project, which is being taken up at a much subsidised cost of Rs. 25 lakh, is expected to be executed in a week. Till then, the management has decided to deploy its health force and periodically wet the thoroughfares of the temple town and thereby provide some relief to the pilgrims from the scorching sun.
Some relief
Concern over rising mercury levels
Pilgrims have to be barefooted in and around temple
Arrangement with Pune-based company
Nozzles to spray water to a distance of about 6 metres
