Nellore: Fire engulfed the potu (kitchen) where boondi is prepared for making the popular Tirupati laddus at the world famous shrine in Tirumala on Wednesday evening. The kitchen is located outside the temple. The flames and thick smoke around the area caused panic among pilgrims. Large quantity of ghee is used for making the boondi. According to information, the fire broke out when layers of evaporated ghee deposited on the ceiling of the kitchen over a long time caught fire due to summer heat from outside as well as the heat from the stoves inside the kitchen.
There was a temporary halt in the preparation of the laddus. Two fire fighting units rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control. However a large quantity of ghee and ingredients used for making boondi was damaged in the accident. Tirumala JEO K.S. Sreenivasa Raju said the preparation of laddus in boondi Potu will resume on Thursday.
Speaking to media at Tirumala on Wednesday evening, the JEO said, a minor fire broke out in boondi potu located outside srivari temple as the fire caught ghee deposited on the walls and roof of the boondi potu. "The fire fighting team quickly responded and brought the flames under control. We take up the cleaning works of boondi potu twice a month regularly on every pournami and amavasya. The preparation of laddus will resume from tomorrow morning", he maintained.
