Fire at Srikalahasti Temple's Laddu Unit, Minister Orders Safety Measures

A fire broke out at the additional laddu preparation unit of the Srikalahasti Temple in Tirupati district, triggering panic among devotees. Preliminary reports suggest that a short circuit may have caused the blaze, which spread rapidly through the kitchen area. Fortunately, the timely intervention of temple personnel and firefighters prevented a major accident, and no injuries were reported.

Following the incident, State Endowments Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy immediately contacted the temple administration and sought details about the fire. He spoke over the phone with the temple's Executive Officer and other officials to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and assess the situation. The minister also monitored the developments and instructed the authorities to ensure that the situation remained under control.

Expressing concern over the incident, Anam Ramnarayana Reddy directed officials to strengthen safety arrangements across the temple premises. He emphasised the need for immediate preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future and called for greater vigilance in areas involving electrical installations and cooking facilities. The minister said officials had responded promptly and brought the situation under control, adding that devotees had no reason to panic.

The fire reportedly erupted suddenly at the additional laddu preparation unit, where prasadam is prepared for devotees. As the flames began spreading, people present in the vicinity were alarmed and rushed to safer locations. Workers involved in preparing prasadam and other kitchen personnel also evacuated the premises without delay.

Upon receiving information, fire and emergency services personnel rushed to the temple and launched firefighting operations. Their prompt response helped contain the blaze before it could spread further to other sections of the premises. However, the intensity of the fire damaged several electrical wires inside the unit.

The alertness of temple staff and the timely arrival of firefighters played a crucial role in preventing the incident from turning into a major disaster. The absence of casualties or injuries brought considerable relief to devotees, employees and temple authorities.

Meanwhile, officials are expected to examine the affected area and assess the extent of the damage. Although a short circuit is suspected to have triggered the fire, the exact cause of the incident is yet to be established. The incident has once again highlighted the importance of regular electrical inspections and adequate fire-safety arrangements at major religious institutions.