Tirumala faces critical water crisis as reserves dwindle to 90 days

Tirumala, one of India's most visited pilgrimage sites, is confronting an acute water crisis as prolonged drought conditions have depleted its primary water sources. With three of the five reservoirs that supply the hill town now completely dry, water management authorities have sounded an alarm over the sustainability of the town's water supply.

The town's daily water requirement stands at approximately 60 lakh gallons to meet the needs of its permanent population and the millions of devotees who visit the Venkateswara Temple throughout the year. Current projections indicate that existing water reserves can sustain this consumption level for approximately 90 days, creating an urgent need for alternative water management strategies.

Local officials have expressed hope that the approaching northeast monsoon will provide relief to the parched region. The monsoon rains are expected to replenish the depleted reservoirs and ease the immediate water stress. However, authorities are simultaneously exploring contingency measures to manage demand and secure alternative water sources should the monsoon prove insufficient.

The water crisis adds to the mounting pressure on Tirumala's infrastructure as the temple town continues to attract record-breaking visitor numbers. Water conservation measures and possible restrictions on usage are being considered as part of contingency planning to extend the sustainability of reserves beyond the projected 90-day window.