TTD explores solutions for solid waste management

In a move aimed at strengthening environmental sustainability on the sacred Tirumala hills, the TTD on Friday reviewed its solid waste management strategies.

The review meeting, chaired by Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao at Annamayya Bhavan, brought together scientists and engineers to discuss pathways for handling the town’s mounting waste in a more efficient and eco-friendly manner.

Mr. Rao underlined that the temple administration, in collaboration with the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL), has already commissioned a biogas plant to process wet waste into clean energy and organic manure. However, he stressed the need to explore systems that minimize dependence on large-scale waste segregation, thereby making management both cost-effective and practical for a pilgrim town that sees lakhs of devotees each month.

Noted environmental scientist and Padma Shri awardee Sharad Khale, who attended the session, endorsed biogas production as a viable solution for biodegradable waste. He promised to submit a comprehensive waste management plan tailored to the unique requirements of Tirumala. As part of his presentation, Mr. Khale demonstrated small-scale composting methods using vegetable waste, underscoring the potential for localized, household-level solutions alongside centralized systems.

The deliberations also focused on integrating scientific expertise with administrative capacity.  Officials noted that with pilgrim numbers steadily rising, Tirumala generates a significant volume of organic waste daily — posing both logistical challenges and opportunities for sustainable energy generation.

The meeting was attended by Additional EO C.H. Venkayya Chowdary, scientists including Sandeep Asolekar and Bau Nipurte, TTD engineers and other officials.