TIRUPATI: Chittoor district bordering Tamil Nadu was placed on an alert with cyclone Gaja all set to make a landfall between Cuddalore and Pamban district in the neighbouring state, on Thursday. Schools in 27 mandals have been declared to remain shut on Friday as a precautionary measure.Reviewing the situation with officials of the district administration at the sub collector's office in Tirupati on Thursday, district collector, PS Pradyuma, said that based on the directions of the state government and the disaster management department, all government officials in 25 mandals of Chittoor district, which were likely to be impacted by cyclone Gaja, were placed on an alert."With forecast of moderate to heavy rainfall in 25 mandals from Thursday morning and Friday, holiday was declared to all the schools in 27 mandals on Friday. A control room with the number 08572-240500 was also set up at the district collectorate in Chittoor for the same purpose. Special teams have been formed and will be available 24/7 for the public and will closely monitor the situation. Our efforts are to ensure zero loss of life, cattle, property etc due to the cyclone. Public should also exercise caution during this period," he said.Meanwhile, the abode of Lord Venkateswara reeled under the impact of strong gales and showers on Thursday morning. Pilgrims coming out of the Tirumala temple along with their families were subjected to extreme inconvenience with no sign of shelter available anywhere near the temple.A control room with no. 08572-240500 was set up at the collectorate in Chittoor. Special teams have been formed and will be available 24/7 to closely monitor the situation

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