Tirupati

Tirupati is a pilgrim center having a population of 228,000 and has over 20 million visitors annually. Tirupati, located at about 580 km from Hyderabad (capital city of Andhra Pradesh) and 137 km from Chennai (capital city of Tamil Nadu), is evolving into one of the most prominent nodes of the Rayalseema region of Andhra Pradesh with its pilgrim importance, educational institutions, health care facilities and industries. It is the gateway to Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateswara.

The EcoCity Project in Tirupati covers the core area of the town, which attracts tourists and pilgrims, including Govindaraja Swamy Temple from 12th Century AD, railway station, bus terminus, old residential area, hotels and schools. The core area, at the start of the Ecocity Project, had a number of problems related to environmental quality, traffic & transportation, sewerage & drainage and solid waste management.

The main results expected to be achieved under the EcoCity Project are:

• Revival of Koneru and its surroundings
• Improved sanitary conditions including efficient solid waste management and drainage system
• Improved environmental quality
• Improved traffic & transportation system including pilgrim/tourist friendly routes
• Organized informal sector
• Availability of trained manpower in the Tirupati Municipal Council on the issues related to urban management including waste management, waste water management.

An “EcoCity Development Plan” has been prepared for the identified project area though the GTZ Consultants (School of Planning & Architecture, JNTU, Hyderabad). A number of project interventions, such as the following, are proposed for implementation:

• Replenishment of water in Koneru with improved surroundings
• Improved sanitation including storm water drainage and solid waste management
• Improving traffic & transportation system including pedestrian zones, parking facilities, signage etc.
• Providing public toilets and drinking water facilities
• Development of ornamental landscaping

The above projects are at various stages of planning, designing and implementation.

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