Tirumala, July 22: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) seems to be heading for yet another controversy. This time around, it is permission given to the Karnataka government for constructing a multistoried complex on the premises of Karnataka Charities, which has raised several eyebrows.
An official delegation, led by two Karnataka ministers, held a meeting with TTD chairman DK Audikesavulu Naidu, executive officer IYR Krishna Rao and others on Tuesday, and got permission for the construction of a multistoried complex at a cost of Rs 90 crore on the premises of Karnataka Charities, located in close proximity of Srivari temple.
Karnataka Charities which took 7.5 acres of prime land on lease for 50 years, proposes to construct a multistoried complex to accommodate pilgrims from Karnataka. A shopping complex and a Kalyana Mandapam are also part of the project. At present, it has 82 rooms, some deluxe cottages, suites and quarters.
For the past one and half decade, the TTD had denied permission to construct a multistoried complex citing that the proposed project might harm the main temple. It was also decided not to have massive constructions in the immediate vicinity of the temple to protect its structural integrity.
The old land lease agreement reached between Karnataka kings and temple administrators, was renewed in 2005. The TTD refused to give permission to Karnataka Charities even to sink a borewell on its premises for its water needs. It was felt that sinking of a borewell would harm the temple structure. Even during the renewal of land lease, no permission was accorded for the construction of multistoried commercial complex.
Before renewal of the lease, the TTD planed to use five of the 7.5 acres of land for floriculture and to raise `Tulasi’ plantation for the temple needs. On the issue of lease, there is legal battle between the TTD and Karnataka Charities. Now, the TTD changes its stance on the issue and accorded permission to Karnataka Charities. However, the officials have not given reasons on what basis the TTD accorded permission and what made it to change its earlier stance on the issue. According to sources, the permission was given at the behest of Audikesavulu Naidu, who is known to have business interests in Karnataka.
–Agencies