Table of Contents
Relevance: APPSC Governance | Welfare | Environment | Culture | Current Affairs
Prelims
TTD | Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams | Pilgrim Insurance | Accidental Insurance | Biogas Plant | IOCL | GPS Renewables | Annaprasadam Centres
Mains
Pilgrim Welfare | Temple Governance | Social Security | Waste-to-Energy | Sustainable Waste Management | Public Service Delivery
Why in News?
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Board approved two important measures: a ₹2 lakh life insurance cover for pilgrims who die of natural causes in Tirumala and a proposal to establish a biogas plant using food waste generated in Tirumala.
Insurance Cover for Pilgrims
- The TTD Board approved a ₹2 lakh life insurance cover for pilgrims who die of natural causes in Tirumala. The amount will be paid to the families of such pilgrims.
- This is described as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. It expands the welfare role of TTD by providing financial support to families who lose their loved ones during pilgrimage.
- The board also increased the accidental insurance for families of devotees who die in accidents in Tirumala. The compensation was raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
- This decision shows that pilgrimage management is not limited to darshan arrangements alone. It also includes safety, emergency support and welfare responsibility towards devotees.
Biogas Plant Proposal
The TTD Board also approved an IOCL proposal to establish a biogas plant in Tirumala.
The plant will use food waste generated from:
- Annaprasadam centres
- Canteens
- Hotels
The operation and maintenance of the facility will be entrusted to GPS Renewables at a cost of ₹2.80 crore.
This proposal is important because Tirumala receives a large number of pilgrims every day and generates considerable food waste. Converting food waste into biogas can reduce waste burden and support sustainable energy use.
Conclusion
The TTD Board’s insurance cover and biogas plant proposal reflect a broader approach to temple governance. The insurance initiative supports pilgrim welfare, while the biogas plant promotes sustainable waste management. Together, they combine social responsibility with environmental responsibility at one of India’s most important pilgrimage centres.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding recent TTD Board decisions:
- TTD approved a ₹2 lakh life insurance cover for pilgrims who die of natural causes in Tirumala.
- Accidental insurance for devotees was increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
- The proposed biogas plant will use food waste from Annaprasadam centres, canteens and hotels.
- The operation and maintenance of the biogas plant will be entrusted to GPS Renewables.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer:
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: TTD approved ₹2 lakh life insurance cover for pilgrims who die of natural causes in Tirumala.
- Statement 2 is correct: Accidental insurance was increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
- Statement 3 is correct: The biogas plant will use food waste generated at Annaprasadam centres, canteens and hotels.
FAQs
1. What insurance cover did TTD approve for pilgrims?
TTD approved ₹2 lakh life insurance cover for pilgrims who die of natural causes in Tirumala.
2. What is the new accidental insurance amount?
The accidental insurance amount was increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
3. What is the purpose of the proposed biogas plant?
The plant will convert food waste generated in Tirumala into biogas.
4. Which organisation proposed the biogas plant?
The biogas plant was proposed by IOCL.
5. Who will operate and maintain the biogas plant?
The operation and maintenance will be entrusted to GPS Renewables.
