Leopard sighting on Srivari Mettu footpath triggers panic among pilgrims

The recent sightings of a leopard on the Srivari Mettu footpath and an elephant herd near the ghat road in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, have not only triggered panic among pilgrims but also brought into sharp focus the escalating challenge of human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in India. These incidents are not isolated occurrences but rather symptomatic of a broader ecological issue, particularly in regions where human settlements and activities abut rich biodiversity zones.

**Background Context and What Happened:**

Tirumala is globally renowned as the abode of Lord Sri Venkateswara, attracting millions of pilgrims annually, making the Sri Venkateswara Temple one of the world's most visited religious sites. The temple town is nestled within the Seshachalam Hills, a part of the Eastern Ghats, which is a designated Biosphere Reserve. This region is a treasure trove of biodiversity, home to various species including leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, and elephants, alongside endemic flora like the red sanders. The pilgrimage routes, especially the pedestrian footpaths like Srivari Mettu, traverse through dense forest areas. The increasing pilgrim footfall, coupled with expanding infrastructure to accommodate them, has inevitably led to human encroachment into these natural habitats. In recent months, there have been multiple instances of wildlife sightings, including a leopard attack on a six-year-old girl in August 2023, which tragically resulted in her death, and another attack on a three-year-old boy in June 2023. These events underscore a critical imbalance where wildlife corridors are disrupted, forcing animals into closer contact with humans.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

Several key stakeholders are directly involved in addressing this complex issue. The **Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)**, the autonomous body managing the temple and its vast estate, bears the primary responsibility for pilgrim safety and managing the temple's operations. The **Andhra Pradesh Forest Department** is crucial, as it is mandated with wildlife protection, habitat management, and mitigating HWC within the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve. **Pilgrims and local communities** are directly affected, facing safety risks and psychological stress. Additionally, **wildlife conservation organizations and environmental experts** play a vital role in advocating for scientific management practices, habitat preservation, and raising awareness.

**Why This Matters for India:**

These incidents in Tirumala are a microcosm of India's larger human-wildlife conflict challenge. India, with its dense population and rich biodiversity, experiences some of the highest rates of HWC globally. This conflict has significant implications: **ecological balance** is threatened as species struggle for survival; **socio-economic impacts** include loss of human lives, livestock depredation, crop damage, and disruption of local livelihoods, leading to resentment towards wildlife; and **governance challenges** arise in balancing conservation mandates with developmental pressures and public safety. For Tirumala, the safety concerns could potentially impact pilgrim numbers, thereby affecting the local economy which heavily relies on religious tourism. It highlights the urgent need for integrated policies that prioritize both conservation and human well-being.

**Historical Context and Future Implications:**

The historical context reveals a gradual encroachment. As pilgrimage to Tirumala grew exponentially over decades, so did the demand for facilities and accessibility. Forest paths transformed into well-lit, paved routes, and surrounding areas saw extensive development, pushing the boundaries of human presence deeper into wildlife habitats. This expansion has reduced forest cover and fragmented animal corridors, leading to increased encounters.

Looking ahead, the future implications necessitate a multi-pronged approach. **Mitigation strategies** must be robust, including enhanced fencing, early warning systems using technology like thermal cameras and AI-powered sensors, rapid response teams, and increased patrolling. **Sustainable pilgrimage management** is paramount, ensuring that developmental activities are environmentally sensitive. **Awareness campaigns** for pilgrims and local communities are essential to educate them on safe practices and wildlife behavior. In the long term, **habitat restoration and creation of dedicated wildlife corridors** are crucial to allow animals safe passage away from human activity. Policy reforms under the **Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972**, and the **Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980**, might be required to strengthen enforcement and promote better inter-departmental coordination. Furthermore, constitutional provisions like **Article 48A** (Directive Principles of State Policy), which states that the State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country, and **Article 51A(g)** (Fundamental Duties), which mandates citizens to protect and improve the natural environment, serve as guiding principles for both government action and citizen responsibility. The challenge in Tirumala underscores the urgent need for India to develop comprehensive, collaborative, and scientifically informed strategies to manage human-wildlife coexistence effectively, ensuring the safety of its citizens while safeguarding its invaluable natural heritage.