The TTD has been making efforts to set-up anti-drone systems at Tirumala to strengthen the security of the airspace over the spiritual shrine of Tirumala. The YSRCP government has completely ignored the security system for the last five years, confining itself to announcements. On the other hand, drones are currently disturbing all over the world. This small device is creating havoc.
It is worrying that there is no system to stop these drones in the presence of Srivaru. During the previous government, the then rulers used to boast that they would bring anti-drone technology every time drones were caught on the hill. An officer who worked as the TTD CVSO said that a state-of-the-art Naval Anti-Drone System (NADS) manufactured by BHEL in Bengaluru will be purchased and installed to stop the use of drones and other electronic devices at the Srivari temple.
He said that he is contacting a donor to provide the device worth crores of rupees. The proposal was shelved for some time. Dr. Satish Reddy, the former Chairman of DRDO, is presently serving as Scientific and Technical Advisor to AP. With his suggestions, the focus has now been turned towards strengthening the air defense system in Tirumala.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Chairman BR Naidu also said that anti-drone technology will be introduced soon. He also recently wrote a letter to Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu to declare Tirumala as a ‘no fly zone’ without planes and drones flying.
In January 2023, some people who came to survey the IOCL gas plant in Tirumala used a drone to photograph the Srivari temple and the mada streets. In January 2024, Dinesh from Haryana flew a drone at the 53rd turn and photographed the Srivari Mokala mettu, walkway, and forest area. Recently, a YouTuber from Rajasthan filmed the Srivari temple, the Mada streets, and the entire city.
Whenever such things happen, locals inform the vigilance officials and they seize the drones. If the same anti-drone technology is provided, there is no chance of the drone flying.
