A leopard was spotted near Mokali Mitta on the Alipiri trekking route to Tirumala at around 2 am on Monday, prompting intensified patrols and safety advisories for devotees using the pedestrian paths.
No devotees were present in the area when the animal was seen, according to a report by Deccan Chronicle. TTD vigilance and security personnel, along with forest department officials, reached the location after receiving information and began an operation to drive the leopard back into the forest.
Officials advised devotees using both the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu routes to remain alert and trek in groups. Parents were asked to take additional care of children and infants while passing through forested stretches along the routes.
The latest sighting has led authorities to intensify patrolling along the trekking paths. Devotees have also been asked to immediately inform officials if they notice a leopard or any other wild animal near the routes.
Monday’s incident was reportedly the fourth leopard sighting on the Alipiri route in the past month. Leopards have also been seen recently near Srivari Mettu, Papavinasanam and other forest fringe areas, leading to round-the-clock surveillance at locations considered vulnerable.
The repeated sightings place added operational importance on how the pedestrian routes are monitored, particularly where pilgrimage infrastructure meets forested terrain. The immediate response involves coordination between the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams’ vigilance and security teams and the forest department, while public movement continues along the routes.
For devotees, the instructions currently in force are to avoid trekking alone, stay in groups, supervise children closely and report animal movement without delay. Authorities have not reported any injury or direct encounter with devotees in connection with Monday’s sighting. Enhanced patrols and surveillance remain the stated next steps along the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu routes.
