TTD’s decision on ‘Annamayya Margam’ triggers debate

‘TTD should weigh pros and cons before going ahead with the project’

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) trust board according permission to consider developing ‘Annamayya Margam’ (the trekking route used by the saint poet Annamacharya to reach the Tirumala hills nearly 630 years ago) into an 18-km motorable road from Kukkaladoddi, has triggered a debate among various sections.

Though it is hailed as ‘recognition’ of the ‘padayatra’ route taken by the people from Kadapa for nearly two decades, some feel that the decision could stir a hornet’s nest on various sensitive issues involving Tirumala.

Rajampet ex-MLA and Kadapa Zilla Parishad Chairman Akepati Amarnatha Reddy was successful in convincing the TTD board to give a thought over his fervent pleas made for 18 years. He cited historical evidences on Avvathala Gutta, Sukravaram Banda, Yerrigunthalu, Ethakaya Mandapam, Chavidi, Paruveta Mandapam, Papavinasanam and Gogarbha Theertham to buttress his claim over the existence of such a path in the past.