Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams wary of illegal hawkers, labourers

Tirumala: Notwithstanding vigilance reports that the security blanket thrown around the temple town is at grave risk with the presence of unidentified people from various parts of the country, the presence of illegal hawkers and labourers is posing new problems to officials while providing security to visiting pilgrims
Vigilance department submitted a report to Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams (TTD) saying that due to the presence of hawkers, anti-social activities are on the rise.Sources said allegations were flying thick and fast that revenue department had given permissions to several small shopkeepers in violation of rules. There are no identity cards for hawkers and the labourers who work here.
Despite efforts, hawker menace at the temple has always been a cause of concern for TTD while providing fool-proof security to pilgrims swarming Lord's abode from various parts of the country. It was found that number of license renewals for hawkers is always more when compared to licences issued . "Officials are in collusion with local politicians and license seekers," a senior vigilance official said.
The number of licences increased from 67 in 1982 to 127 in 1997 and 187 in 2000. In 2000, the TTD overhauled the complete system. Locals were given priority for issuance of licences. Identity cards were issued and fee was collected from them for eight years as earlier the hawkers and labourers had no ID cards. But during the process, it was found that 360 licences were held by the locals and the 185 bogus licences were scrapped. TTD officials said there was no need to sanction new licences as number of hawkers is already huge. But officials threw caution to the winds by secretly issuing licences to more hawkers and it was alleged that money changed hands. During an enquiry, 128 licences were cancelled when IYR Krishna Rao was the executive officer (EO).
At a recent review meeting, TTD EO LV Subramanyam asked officials to increase security measures. He asked vigilance sleuths to enhance security at pilgrim accommodations complexes, Kalyanakatta, Alipiri checkpost, GNC toll gate, Srivari mettu and other areas and keep an eye on the movements of unauthorized hawkers and illegal labourersin Tirumala.
"Temple management is more interested in buying advanced security apparatus and arranging review meetings instead of changing situation at ground level," a senior official told TOI. There were instances when liquor, meat, cigarettes and gutka packets were recovered from the hills in spite of a total ban on these items.