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A leopard appeared on the path of Lord Balaji devotees, triggering panic at Tirumala. (Img: Pinterest)
Tirumala: Thousands of devotees walking towards the Tirumala hill shrine witnessed a frightening moment after a leopard was spotted near the Alipiri footpath route, creating panic among pilgrims heading for Lord Venkateswara darshan.
The wild cat was seen sitting on a tree near the 2,754th step of the trekking path, forcing several devotees to move away in fear and alert security officials. The incident has once again highlighted the growing challenge of wildlife movement in the forest corridors surrounding one of India’s busiest pilgrimage destinations.
Following the sighting, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), forest department and security teams intensified monitoring along the route. Officials are also examining technology-based solutions, including robotic surveillance systems, to improve real-time tracking of wild animals.
The leopard was spotted by pilgrims using the Alipiri-Tirumala pedestrian route, one of the most popular walking paths leading to the hill temple.
According to officials, the animal was resting on a tree close to the pathway when devotees noticed its presence. The sudden appearance of the leopard caused panic, with several pilgrims rushing away from the area to ensure their safety.
The information was immediately shared with TTD vigilance personnel, following which security teams, forest officials and police personnel reached the location.
However, before the teams arrived, the leopard had already moved away from the spot and entered the surrounding forest area.
## TTD launches surveillance operation after leopard movement
After the incident, authorities increased patrolling along vulnerable sections of the Alipiri route.
A special 20-member monitoring team comprising forest officials, veterinarians and medical personnel has been deployed to track the animal’s movement and assess the safety situation.
The teams are focusing on preventing any possible human-animal conflict while ensuring that the leopard returns safely to its natural habitat.
Security personnel have also been positioned along key stretches to guide pilgrims and respond quickly in case of another sighting.
## Pilgrims advised to avoid solo trekking
Following the leopard scare, TTD issued safety instructions for devotees travelling through the forest route.
Pilgrims have been advised to walk only in groups, remain on designated pathways and avoid stopping at isolated stretches.
Authorities have also warned devotees against approaching, chasing or attempting to record close videos of wild animals.
Officials have urged pilgrims to immediately inform TTD security staff or forest personnel if they notice any unusual animal movement.
Special attention is being given to areas including the seventh mile stretch, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple zone and Mokalla Mettu section, where wildlife movement has been reported earlier.
## Why leopard sightings are increasing on Tirumala routes
The latest leopard sighting has revived concerns over wildlife movement in the Seshachalam forest region.
The Alipiri and Srivari Mettu walking routes pass through forest areas that are home to several wild species, including leopards.
Over the past few years, multiple leopard sightings have been reported near pilgrimage routes, temples and forest-fringe areas around Tirumala.
In July, another leopard sighting near the Lord Narasimha Swamy temple area created panic among devotees after videos showing people moving away from the spot surfaced on social media.
Earlier, leopard movement was also detected near the Srivari Mettu route, leading authorities to introduce temporary restrictions and additional security measures.
## 2023 leopard attacks changed Tirumala safety rules
The issue of leopard movement became a major concern after two serious incidents in 2023.
In June 2023, a three-year-old boy was injured in a leopard attack near the seventh mile area while trekking with family members.
Two months later, in August 2023, a six-year-old girl was killed in a leopard attack on the Alipiri footpath while walking with her parents.
Following these incidents, TTD and forest officials launched a large-scale wildlife management operation.
Camera traps were installed, surveillance networks were expanded and several leopards were captured during monitoring operations.
Authorities also introduced new safety protocols, including group movement of pilgrims and increased security deployment on trekking routes.
Officials have also highlighted that waste generated from food stalls and human activity can attract animals such as deer, wild boars and stray dogs, which may indirectly bring predators closer to human zones.
## TTD tests robotic technology to track wildlife
To strengthen wildlife surveillance, TTD is evaluating advanced robotic technology for monitoring forest areas.
The initiative is currently under testing and aims to assist officials in locations where human movement is difficult or risky.
A quadruped robotic system, commonly known as a robotic dog, has been tested for surveillance capabilities at Tirumala.
The machine is equipped with thermal imaging cameras, optical sensors, 360-degree LiDAR technology and artificial intelligence features that can help detect animal movement during darkness, fog and low visibility conditions.
Officials believe such technology could support faster response systems and improve safety for both pilgrims and wildlife.
## Balancing pilgrimage, tourism and wildlife protection
Tirumala attracts millions of devotees every year, with many choosing the traditional walking routes to reach the temple.
The increasing movement of pilgrims through forest zones has created a complex challenge for authorities — protecting devotees while preserving the natural ecosystem.
Experts believe that a combination of technology, forest management, public awareness and strict safety protocols will be crucial to reduce human-wildlife conflict in the region.
## What happens next
Forest officials and TTD teams will continue monitoring leopard movement around the Alipiri route and other sensitive areas.
Enhanced security arrangements are expected to remain in place until authorities determine that the immediate threat has reduced.
With recurring wildlife sightings becoming a major concern, technology-driven surveillance and stronger safety measures are likely to become an important part of future pilgrimage management at Tirumala.
