Facial recognition CCTVs at Tirumala temple to reinforce security

TIRUPATI: Days after Apple released iPhone X with facial recognition technology, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Wednesday said it would install CCTV cameras with the feature to reinforce security at the shrine in view of the Brahmotsavams beginning September 23. The move comes in the wake of several incidents of kidnap on and near the temple’s premises.The technology will recognise faces of suspects, regardless of whether they have tried to disguise themselves or not, thanks to the analytics data which will be fed to the systems.Preparations are afoot to set up the CCTV cameras in front of the main temple, and queue complex and also at the entrance.

Face recognition technology will be integrated with CCTV video system at the main control room in the old complex. At present, the TTD has 600 CCTV cameras.“Exclusive staff will monitor all cameras 24 x 7, in three shifts.

We are also planning to train the staff to use the technology effectively. Both facial and general recognition software systems are capable of counting and measuring the speed of movements of people,” said Chief Vigilance and Security officer Krishna.

The facial recognition systems can also monitor the duration of the time that people spend at a specific area and note whether an object is left at a place and for how long. “The vigilance wing will collaborate with the AP police in case anything suspicious is noted by the CCTV cameras,” Krishna said.