TIRUPATI: Facing an unusual water shortage, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has urged devotees and local residents to conserve water. The available water reserves in the Tirumala dams are expected to last only three months, according to a statement from the Srivari Temple Trust. If conditions do not improve, the Trust may regulate water supply to manage the shortage.
Despite good overall rainfall this year, Tirumala has experienced insufficient precipitation. The water in the five main dams—Gogarbham, Akasa Ganga, Papa Vinasanam, Kumaradhara, and Pasupudhara—is projected to meet the needs of the hill town for only the next 120-130 days.
Currently, Tirumala consumes approximately 43 lakh gallons of water daily. Of this, 18 lakh gallons are sourced from the local dams, while the remainder is supplied from the Kalyani Dam in Tirupati. The total storage capacity of the five dams is 14,304 lakh gallons, but only around 5,800 lakh gallons remain.
The TTD has called on both devotees and residents to minimize water usage, particularly as the annual Brahmotsavams approach, which will see a surge in pilgrims. If the situation does not improve in the coming months, the Trust may implement measures to control water consumption, including potential reductions in supply to residents and commercial establishments.
Officials remain hopeful that rainfall in the Rayalaseema region after September will replenish the reservoirs and alleviate the water shortage.