Tirupati, April 14: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has firmly denied claims of a sudden surge in cattle deaths at the Sri Venkateswara Dairy Farm (SV Goshala), asserting that mortality rates remain consistent with historical averages.
TTD Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao, addressing the media on Monday, stated that approximately 15 cattle deaths occur monthly—primarily due to age-related ailments and incurable diseases. In 2024, the dairy farm reported 179 cattle deaths, while 43 have occurred in the first quarter of 2025. Notably, the birth rate has outpaced mortality, with 59 calves born between January and March this year.
Rao dismissed recent allegations of mismanagement leveled by former TTD Chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, pointing instead to documented irregularities under the previous administration. “Multiple vigilance reports from 2021 to 2024 unearthed serious lapses, including poor-quality fodder, expired veterinary drugs, and unhygienic cattle sheds,” he noted.
Among the critical issues flagged were the serving of maggot-infested fodder, use of discarded maize silage, inflated procurement costs leading to losses of over ₹1 crore, and a failure to act on early warnings from internal audits.
Rao criticized the former leadership for ignoring these red flags, contrasting it with recent reforms initiated by the current administration. “We’ve introduced transparent fodder procurement practices, raised sanitation benchmarks, and begun the process to fill all staff vacancies. Of the nine sanctioned veterinary posts, four are vacant, and we’re fast-tracking recruitment,” he said.
He also called out sections of the media and opposition groups for allegedly circulating doctored visuals and misinformation to malign the reputation of the TTD. “The trust board will soon decide on legal action against those spreading malicious propaganda,” Rao confirmed.
This clarification aims to restore public confidence and reinforce the commitment of the TTD to uphold animal welfare at one of India’s most revered temple-run dairy institutions.
