TIRUPATI: Recent terror attacks across the world have put the Tirupati police on high alert to protect and guard the World famous Tirumala Temple, and the numerous pilgrims visiting it every day apart from ensuring security of local residents. The issue of security was discussed at length at a meeting held between the police and hoteliers, theatre owners and petty businessmen at Tirupati Urban police department.
Disclosing some minutes of the meeting to Express, Tirupati Urban SP Gopinath Jatti said that considering the contemporary terror activities, the meeting laid focus on the future dreadful consequences, which can take place, if the arsonists target the temple. “Apart from hoteliers and theatre owners, small businessmen were also part of the meeting,” he said.
Given that Tirupati is one of most highest visiting pilgrimage places, the SP said: “The hill top and city surroundings would be totally occupied with new faces every day and there is need to make everyone’s identity clear and in detail. For this hotels and theatre owners have been asked to take adequate security precautions with high technology equipment and manpower.” The SP added that measures would also involve overcoming minor problems and involving the local people in security.
On the other hand, the security agency will also be streamlining new protective measures by amending some compulsory rules to be followed by the locals and pilgrims too. “Everyone must carry their ID cards, especially those who are new to the place. The house owners have been asked to collect identity cards from the tenants before renting out their house,” Jatti said. Nearly 600 CCTV cameras are keeping a round the clock vigil on the entire city.
When questioned about any security threat call, the officer replying in the negative said that irrespective of the threat call there should be adequate precautions to avert such a situation.
“Our aim is to protect for which we need to be cautious. And doubting the conditions considering the issues is our job. So taking any new measures would only be as part of our duty,” he said.