Environmentalists expressed concerns after observing that the Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanams (TTD) has allegedly initiated the construction of the Venkateswara Swamy temple along the Ulwe coast, despite an environmental violation case pending before the National Green Tribunal (NGT)

The case, filed at the NGT’s western zonal bench a year ago, claims that the 10-acre land designated for the temple is situated within CRZ1 (Coastal Regulation Zone) and an intertidal wetland—an area previously used for fishing.

“The land was originally a temporary casting yard for the Atal Setu project and contains mudflats, sparse mangroves, and even as per the latest plot layout as obtained from cidco the area falls within a flood hazard zone,” said the petitioner and Director of Natconnet foundation, B N Kumar.

Environmentalists concerns stem over the ongoing construction activities, observed on Wednesday,. “ On the site heavy machinery along with workers, could be seen undertaking landfill work within the mangrove buffer zone. A portion of the intertidal wetland has already been covered with concrete slurry and earth,” said Kumar.

The controversy surrounding the temple’s construction site has garnered political attention as well. In August 2023, TDP spokesperson Neelayapalem Vijayakumar criticized the previous government under Jaganmohan Reddy for hastily pushing the project forward despite environmental concerns raised by activists.

Concerned about ecological damage, a complaint has been sent to the Chief Minister’s office, urging immediate intervention. The environmentalists have raised alarms over the long-term impacts on the coastal ecosystem, particularly the disruption to the mangrove and wetland areas.

“Despite the serious allegations and the pending case, TTD has delayed submitting its response to the NGT. During the last hearing on January 17, the Tribunal imposed a Rs 10,000 fine on TTD for failing to file an affidavit on time. TTD’s junior counsel requested additional time due to delays caused by a change in the Andhra Pradesh government, but the NGT rejected this excuse and directed the trust to file its response within two weeks, contingent on the payment of the fine,” adds the activist

With the case still under investigation by the NGT and environmental violations under scrutiny, the swift pace of construction continues to worry environmentalists and local stakeholders, intensifying the debate over the temple’s location and its potential environmental impact