Police plan to adopt Tirupati security system for temples

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, July 18

The state police are mulling to introduce the high-tech security system being used by the Tirumala Tirupati Devsthanam (TTD), Andhra Pradesh, and send a five-member team for a week-long training on the system, protocol and technologies for ensuring foolproof security of temples in the state.

In a letter to Andhra Pradesh DGP D Gautam Sawang, Himachal DGP Sanjay Kundu stated that the TTD is one of the biggest Hindu temples of the world and a large number of pilgrims visited it everyday. Besides the smooth movement of devotees, the TTD ensures other logistics and security with an extensive use of modern technology, including biometric scans, online registration and CCTV cameras.

“The Himachal Police want to learn about the security system, protocol and technologies used by the TTD so that best practices can be introduced in the state to make the visits of the pilgrims more pleasant, safe and comfortable,” he said.

He requested his Andhra Pradesh counterpart to arrange a week-long training for a five-member state police team headed by an SP-rank officer in managing large crowds after the pandemic ends.

“There have been cases of stampede and theft of ancient idols and other valuable items from temples. Adopting modern techniques and practices will be helpful in avoiding such incidents in future,” Kundu said.

Himachal is home to a large number of ancient temples, four shaktipeethas — including Chintpurni, Barjeshwai Mata, Chamunda Devi and Naina Devi and Jwalaji Maha Shaktipeeth. Moreover the state is also the home to the Dalai Lama and several Buddhist monasteries.