Hyderabad: Amid controversies surrounding the quality of the Tirupati laddu, artisans residing near the foothills of Tirumala are preparing to seek a geographical indication tag for their exquisite wooden carvings. These artisans have been skillfully crafting intricate wooden statues of Lord Balaji and other deities for over a century. Renowned for their detailed carvings, known as Madhavamala wood carvings, their creations include lifelike idols of gods and goddesses, traditional dolls, decorative items, and furniture. The Sri Balaji Wood Carvings Mutually Aided Cooperative Society Limited, representing 510 artisans from 309 families, is set to apply for the GI tag with the support of NABARD. This initiative, the 20th GI application from Andhra Pradesh, will be guided by GI practitioner Subhajit Saha in collaboration with NABARD.