The TTD officials today demolished 27 illegally constructed houses on the Tirumala Hills after the Endowments Department Tribunal gave clearance for their removal.

The TTD has identified 51 houses which were constructed illegally near the temple. These houses are located near the Karnataka Dharma Satrams behind the main temple and the TTD administration has served notices on the house owners asking them to vacate so that it can implement its master plan aimed at developing the temple town and providing more facilities to the ever growing number of pilgrims.

The house owners have approached the Tribunal which ordered the authorities to demolish 27 houses. In case of the remaining houses, the Tribunal will give its orders later as the hearing has not yet been completed.

As the Tribunal gave its orders on Friday, the authorities made arrangements by the evening for the removal. The operation was carried out today.