TIRUMALA: The TTD is contemplating to create more monitoring cells and bring officials closer to pilgrims.
Speaking to the media after the monthly Dial EO programme on Friday, EO D Sambasiva Rao, said CCTV camera and Kalyana Katta monitoring units, which are now watched secretly by security officers, are proposed to be opened to all so that even pilgrims or other passers-by could alert the staff concerned if anything goes wrong. It also cuts scope for malpractices by staff, he said.
If a barber takes money from pilgrims by colluding with the monitoring staff, other watchers can catch him. Also, if staff take bribes or commit malpractice it will be viewed by the public, he said.
“We have changed the brand of blades used by barbers and taking steps to improve their skills. Soon, will install CCTV cameras at all the 18 small Kalyana Kattas at Tirumala and they will be monitored by both by the public and security personnel, which will help us check human long hair theft,” he said.
In the second phase, the EO said 1,500 CCTV cameras will be installed in and around Tirumala, including the two ghat roads. Construction of watch towers to prevent wildfires is going on at a brisk pace, he said, adding that once all the 50 watchtowers are completed, effective monitoring of fires will be possible, he explained.