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Massive pilgrim complex to come up in Tirumala

M S Shanker in Tirupati

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has decided to construct a massive pilgrims complex at Tirumala, the abode of Lord Balaji, at a cost of Rs 200 million.

I V Subba Rao, who took over as the TTD executive officer, said a four-storey complex consisting of more than 600 rooms would be constructed at the first guest house, after demolishing the existing building. Public amenities like transportation facilities, canteen and hospital would be made available.

Work will begin in three months and would be completed by the end of 2000.

As drinking water is sparse during summer months at Tirumala, the board has decided to lay a new pipeline at a cost of Rs 27.5 million from the Papavinasam dam, 5 km away. A water filter plant would be constructed at half way, at Newar Kasuvu Mandapam.

The board has taken up the long-pending modernisation plan of the potu (temple kitchen). The plan to install a laddu-making machine on an experimental basis is being considered.

Rao said the mechanisation of the temple kitchen would increase laddu production several times.

"Each pilgrim on an average is not satisfied unless he or she gets a minimum of 10 laddus," he said.

As of now, the authorities have restricted laddu production to just 60,000 a day, thus forcing many a pilgrim to return home disappointed.

Meanwhile, sources said the board officials were resisting Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu's proposal to permit Tata Telecommunications to construct a tower to facilitate cell phone operations at Tirumala.

"It will become a nuisance at the abode of Lord Balaji," said a senior temple official.

Tata Telecommunications officials, it is learnt, have assured the temple authorities that the main temple area would be made a shadow zone, thus discouraging pilgrims from carrying cell phones inside.

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