Amaravati, Sep 17: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has proposed construction of 5,000 temples dedicated to Lord Venkateswara across the state under the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams’ (TTD) ‘Srivani’ scheme, besides plans to build such temples in cities abroad with sizeable Hindu populations.
Naidu said Mauritius and New Zealand had already expressed interest in having Venkateswara temples in their countries.
He also proposed renovating existing old temples with the participation of Srivari Sevaks. More than 12 lakh people have registered as Srivari Sevaks across Andhra Pradesh, he said.
“The spiritual and cultural legacy of Tirumala had to be passed on to future generations,” Naidu said.
As part of the proposed expansion of healthcare services, TTD-linked hospitals, including SVIMS, BIRRD, Ruia Hospital and the Children’s Hospital, will be integrated to provide comprehensive healthcare. Doctors will also be encouraged to volunteer as Srivari Sevaks, following the principle that “service to humanity is service to God”.
Naidu said the TTD’s education system would be restructured with greater focus on skills and employment opportunities. The TTD has ₹3,165 crore in its Annadanam Trust, ₹191 crore under Pranadanam and ₹240 crore under BIRRD, according to the details shared.
The Chief Minister also outlined plans to develop Tirumala and Tirupati on a net-zero model through solar and wind power, battery storage, rooftop solar and zero-waste practices.
“Tirumala and Tirupati would be developed on a net-zero model,” he said, adding that Tirumala should emerge as “a global model for cleanliness, environmental protection and pilgrim management”.
Environmental initiatives will include Vruksha Govindam, water conservation and groundwater recharge programmes.
On infrastructure, Naidu proposed a skywalk connecting Tirupati railway station with the bus stand with Central assistance. A multi-storeyed parking facility is also planned on 50 acres in Tirupati.
The state government will spend ₹230 crore to provide house sites to 5,192 employees, while ₹90 crore is being spent on a court complex.
Naidu said Tirupati would be developed as a major economic and service hub and a wedding destination.
“Tirupati would soon develop into a major economic and service hub and emerge as a wedding destination,” he said.
For long-term water security, water will be brought to Tirupati from Somasila, Kandaleru and Balaji Sagar and later diverted to Tirumala.
Recalling the severe drought of November 1999, Naidu said a pipeline from the Kalyani reservoir had been laid in less than 100 days to ensure drinking water supply to Tirumala.“Water would also be brought to Tirupati from Somasila, Kandaleru and Balaji Sagar and later diverted to Tirumala” to permanently meet the drinking-water requirements of the pilgrim town, he said.
The overall plan focuses on pilgrim services, spirituality, healthcare, infrastructure and environmental management, with devotees being involved in the development initiatives.
