Chandrababu Naidu congratulates TTD for almost 90% forest cover in Tirumala Hills

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. File | Photo credit: R. Ragu

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday (May 18, 2026) congratulated the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for achieving 89.40% forest coverage in Tirumala through permanent conservation measures aimed at protecting forest wealth and restoring native species in Seshachalam Hills.

In a message to ‘X’, he said that Indian traditions consider nature sacred and that conservation of forests and wildlife is nothing but service to divinity. Appreciating the efforts of TTD, he said it will help preserve a greener and healthier Tirumala for future generations.

Congratulations to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams for achieving 89.4% forest coverage in Tirumala through sustainable conservation measures aimed at protecting forest wealth and restoring native species in Seshachalam Hills.

Our traditions regard nature as sacred and protect… https://t.co/5RdeH0hHe4

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) May 18, 2026

In an earlier post on social media, TTD said that continuing its commitment to protect biodiversity, Tirumala has achieved 89.40% green coverage of the sacred hills.

Forest protection since 1980

In a video posted on ‘X’, TTD said its Forest Department has been protecting the forest wealth of Seshachalam Hills since 1980. The department oversees 2,719 hectares of forest area, of which 2,431 hectares is under forest vegetation, according to the latest Indian Forest Status Report (ISFR). It operates in four forest zones viz., two in Tirumala and two in Tirupati; under the supervision of the Deputy Conservator of Forests.

Native plantation is underway on 576 hectares to replace exotic acacia plantations, TTD said. Native species such as Peepal, Banyan, Cluster Fig, Medlar, Champak, Mango, Sandalwood, Red Sanders, Gooseberry and Jamun are gradually being planted. Work has so far been completed on 22 hectares. Specialist nurseries in all four rows supply seedlings for the restoration programme.

TTD continues its commitment to preserve the rich biodiversity of Tirumala with an impressive 89.40% green cover across the sacred hills.#tirumala#ttd#seshachalampic.twitter.com/hZ9vmxNzYP

— Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (@TTDevasthanams) May 17, 2026

Around 26.5 km of fire lines are maintained every year to prevent forest fires and teams of flying squads patrol the area to curb illegal felling of trees and poaching, the TTD said.

Seshachalam forests are home to elephants, leopards, bears and snakes. To reduce conflicts between humans and wild animals, saucer pits are arranged in the forest in summer to prevent animals from entering human dwellings in search of water. Three snake rescue teams remain on constant alert in the temple’s queue area.

The Forest Department also supplies sandalwood logs, firewood and Darbha grass for temple rituals and maintains 24 km of road dividers and 25 gardens in Tirumala and Tirupati. Current projects include Pavitra Vanam, Divya Oushadha Vanam and Palamaneru Timber Plantation; the latest joint run by TTD and Wildlife Institute of India for wildlife conflict mitigation.

Published – 18 May 2026 15:58 IST