Tirumala is On Par to Vatican and Disney - Chief of American Citizen Services

Tiriupati, 20 October 2016: Comparing the clean and hygienic environs of Tirumala on par with that of Vatican City and Disney, Mr. J Barrett Travis, Chief of American Citizen Services(ACS), US Consulate General Hyderabad, poured in compliments on TTD EO Dr D Sambasiva Rao and his team for the sublime maintenance of the the hill town.

As a part of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service mulled by ACS towards the safety and security of the US citizens travelling abroad, the Chief of ACS Hyderabad wing, Mr Tavis along and his deputy Ms B Sridevi called on TTD EO Dr D Sambasiva Rao in his chambers in TTD administrative building in Tirupati on Thursday. 

The US delegate complimented the efforts of TTD in pilgrim crowd management, cleanliness, free food distribution system, parking areas, transportation facilities, shopping complex etc. and the systematic administrative set up in hill town.

"The environs and cleanliness are on par with Vatican City and Disney Land in spite of limited area, which is astounding", he expressed. Mr Travis is all praise for the voluntary service system adopted by the temple management. "The services by Srivari Seva volunteers, Scouts and Guides are disciplined and excellent. Their hospitality is exceptional", he lauded. 

Later he learnt from the TTD administrative chief Dr D Sambasiva Rao about the facilities that are being given to the American citizens including darshan, accommodation and other mode of privileges during their visit to Tirumala. 

The EO also explained to him about the on-line services including the Rs.300 on-line booking which was so far utilised by 100 odd countries across the world. "We also have special entry called Supatham for NRIs. On the submission of their relevant passport they will be allowed for Rs.300 special entry darshan every day between

12 noon to 5pm", he added.

He also briefed the ACS chief of Hyderabad over the orientation programme being imparted by Satya Sai Seva Organisation to train Srivari Seva volunteers to offer better services to the multitude of visiting pilgrims. The EO said that on an average not less than 60thousand pilgirms will be served Annaprasadam while the figures double during peak season. 

The TTD top brass officer also explained about the IT services, laddu distribution, queue line management, darshan system etc to Mr Travis. 

Earlier, during the day, Mr Travis and his team had darshan of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala.