Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Jun 10: Deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim on Tuesday June 10 asked all temples in the district coming under the purview of the religious endowment department to install CCTVs, safety lockers, hidden cameras, burglar alarms and strong rooms, as precautionary measures to prevent thefts and to safeguard the valuable assets and idols.
He was addressing a meeting with the officials of religious endowment department at the DC's office here on Tuesday June 10.
"The district administration has taken precautionary measures to prevent thefts of temple idols, jewels, cash or any other valuable items. Concerned in-charge officers should take active measures to install CCTVs in all the temples and appoint security personnel compulsorily," he said.
"As there are various renowned and historical temples in the district, the administration has taken this step to prevent thefts. We have also written to the superintendent of police and the police commissioner to provide security for temples. The police personnel should especially watch over temples during their night patrol. Temples should also maintain a register of the inventory," he added.
CEOs and incharge officials of various temples like Kukke Subramanya, Kateel, Kudupu, Bappanadu, Puttur Mahalingeshwara, Nandavara were present.
They also briefed the deputy commissioner on the existing security arrangements at the temples.
On this occasion Krishnappa, CEO of Kudupu temple committee said, "The temple already has security personnel and facilities like CCTVs and burglar alarm. The temple has an annual income of Rs 5 crore."
Poovappa, CEO of Puttur Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple committee said, "The temple gets an annual income of Rs 3.5 crore. There two security personnel for the temple. The cash in the offering box is collected once a month. There is also a safe locker in the temple."
Manohar Shetty of Bappanadu Temple said, "CCTVs have been set up in the premises of the temple. Annual income of the temple is Rs 1.35 crore."
Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple's additional manager Vishweshwaraiah said, "The temple gets an annual income of Rs 19 crore. There are 14 security personnel. There is also strong room and safety lockers. There are also CCTVs."
DC A B Ibrahim also said that the CCTV footage recorded should be stored for at least a month in the hard disk.
The DC also ordered the CEO of Alankar temple committee to install CCTVs.
On this occasion ADC Sadashiva Prabhu, M Nagaraj, AC of endowment department, Prabhakar, tahsildar were present.