Andhra Pradesh: TTD has implemented a new rule for devotees going to Tirumala. Honking on the hill is completely prohibited. Violation of the rule will attract a heavy fine.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) board has given an important instruction to the devotees going to Tirumala. If you are going to have darshan of the Lord of the Seven Hills in your own vehicle, you must know this new rule. In order to preserve the spiritual atmosphere on the Tirumala hill and completely reduce noise pollution, TTD has banned honking.
‘Silent Tirumala Initiative’ special program:
TTD has launched a special campaign in the name of ‘Silent Tirumala Initiative’ with the aim that only the chanting of Govinda’s name should be heard on the Tirumala hill. According to this rule, drivers are not allowed to honk their horns on the Tirumala Ghat Road and the roads on the hill for any reason. Attractive information boards have been installed along the main roads leading to Tirumala and on the hill to create awareness among the devotees.
The rule will also apply to VIP vehicles:
This new rule implemented by TTD is not limited to the vehicles of ordinary devotees. Rather, it is applicable to everyone equally. Officials have clarified that VIP vehicles that use sirens are allowed to use the horn only in emergency situations, and the horn must be turned off in all other cases.
Increasing vehicle traffic and noise pollution:
The number of vehicles in Tirumala has increased significantly in recent times compared to the previous days. While earlier an average of 8,000 vehicles were coming daily, currently more than 10,000 vehicles are reaching the hill daily. A long queue of vehicles is seen at the Alipiri check post during weekends, festivals and summer vacations. This strict measure has been taken to prevent the increase in noise pollution.
Penalty awaits those who violate the rule:
Usually, areas around religious places and temples are declared as ‘Silence Zone’. According to the rules, the noise intensity here should not exceed 50 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night. If devotees or vehicle drivers violate this rule and sound the horn or siren unnecessarily, the TTD Vigilance Department and traffic police will impose a heavy penalty. So, keep this rule in mind before traveling to Tirumala.