Tirupati: Unlicensed hawkers are again active in Tirumala, compromising security at the abode of Lord Venkateswara as well as making things difficult for
pilgrims.
Either due to the indifference of the authorities or security staff being hand in glove with them, the hawkers can be found at vital points in the temple town where there is a gathering of pilgrims.
Things plummetted to a new low on Wednesday night when a drunk hawker thrashed a woman near Asthana Mandapam, situated beside the Akilandam. No TTD security personnel was present there though a large number of pilgrims gather at the spot. “The presence of unlicensed hawkers will cause anti-social activities eventually. I heard several allegations levelled that some TTD officers had given permission to non-locals to carry out their hawking business at Tirumala. When such incidents take place, it will be silenced with wads of money”, said Congress senior leader P. Naveen Kumar Reddy.
He alleged that lakhs of rupees were paid to certain officials every month for allowing unlicensed hawkers. The menace is not only limited to Akilandam but has spread to other points across the town including Central Reception Office (CRO), bus stand, Annadanam complex and the two trekking routes, which always have high pilgrim congregation.
The Vaikuntam Complex-II is said to be a profitable spot for the illegal hawkers where they sell water bottles, cool drinks and eatables. The hawkers enter the complex by climbing up from the rear, wither when the security staff is not around or by paying them off. “Illegal trade is the way of life at the Vaikuntam queue complexes. Security has been compromised and illegal traders are given a free hand to enter the complex and sell their,” he alleged.
The two trekking paths, via Alipiri and Srivari Mettu, leading to Tirumala have turned into a hotspot for political leaders of various parties.
Taking the advantage of the large number of pilgrims walking up to the temple, the two routes are bustling with hawkers and unlicensed kiosks.
Mr Naveen said the TTD has to take stringent action to curb the growing menace of hawkers.
Vendors fleece hapless pilgrims
Pilgrims visiting Tirumala are being fleeced by vendors who sell puja items like camphor, coconuts, ghee lamps and tulasi leaves at prices that are higher than the maximum retail price.
Since the pilgrims are not allowed to offer or break coconuts to the Lord at the hill temple, they do so at the Akilandam situated in front of Srivari temple and at the sub-temples.
The TTD has only set up one stall at Akilandam for devotees to purchase coconuts and camphor at `15 a pack. Sub-temples like Papavinasanam, Akasaganga, Srivari Padalu, Mokali Mitta and Silathoranam situated around Tirumala do not have the facility.
Taking advantage of this, vendors have set up shops near the sub-temples and fleecing pilgrims, selling a coconut at `40 to `50, a small piece of camphor for `5 to `10 and a ghee lamp for `50. The prices are increased during weekends, special occasions and summer holidays.
“Though at a few places the TTD has set up counters we are confused with the timings as they remain closed during the peak time,” said Mr B. Vijay, a devotee hailing from Bakarapeta said.
It was learnt that these shops at Akilandam, Akasaganga and Srivari Padalu have permission to sell pasupu, kunkuma, yellow threads and puffed rice etc., according to the proceedings issued by TTD, but not coconuts, camphor and ghee lamps.
The TTD which collects revenue receipts from the vendors has powers to control the prices quoted by shopkeepers.
The TTD staff is said to be in cahoots with the shopkeepers and has allowed them to overcharge devotees, sources said.
