Thiruvananthapuram:
The integrated multi-layered CCTV security system set up at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore was formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Wednesday.
The security system consists of 58 CCTV cameras set up at vital locations in and around the temple that would ensure surveillance 24X7.
Speaking at the function, Chandy said the State Government was committed to providing fool-proof security to the temple after the unearthing of the temple treasure. "We apprised the Supreme Court that the State Government would provide the necessary security to the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple. We have kept our word and within four months we are now inaugurating the CCTV cameras and the control room. Also security measures with an estimated cost of Rs 9 crore have started," he said.
Chandy said that the total expense of the security measures having five stages would cost Rs 25 crore.
"The State Government had made it clear that the temple wealth belongs to the temple and that we would bear the expense of the temple security. Now, phase II has started and in phase I, 233 policemen were posted in the temple. The State Government would sanction 200 more policemen to guard the temple," he said.
The CCTV control room has been set up on the western side of the temple with four computers to control and four LCD monitors of 40 inches. Parallel live feeds are provided to the office of the DCP who is in charge of the temple security. The camera feeds can be recorded, stored and verified whenever it is necessary.
The cameras are connected with the control room using optical fibre. The control room is also equipped with three-phases, UPS and generator to ensure that the live feed is received 24 X 7 without any break.
Keltron, who installed the entire system, is also providing training to the police officials to operate it.
Devaswom Minister V S Sivakumar said that his department has taken extra care to provide adequate facilities to pilgrims visiting the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, against the backdrop of the heavy rush of Ayyappa devotees.
Uthradom Thirunal Marthandavarma, DGP Jacob Punnoose, ADGP Venugopal K Nair, IG Padmakumar, City Police Commissioner Manoj Abraham and Keltron officials were among others who attended the function.