In Hyderabad, against the backdrop of controversy surrounding the Tirupati laddu due to allegations of adulteration, skilled artisans at the base of Tirumala hill, renowned for their intricate wooden sculptures of deities including Lord Balaji, are preparing to apply for a geographical indication tag. These artisans have been creating detailed wooden idols of gods and goddesses, as well as various items like dolls, toys, doors, windows, pooja mandapams, pillars, and furniture from Madhavamala wood for over a century. Represented by the Sri Balaji Wood Carvings Mutually Aided Cooperative Society Limited, which comprises 510 artisans from 309 families, they plan to submit the GI application, with NABARD assisting in the process. This application will be the 20th GI filing from Andhra Pradesh, overseen by GI practitioner Subhajit Saha working in collaboration with NABARD to secure the tag for the Madhavamala wood carvings.