Shopping areas in Tirumala under security cover soon

Tirumala: For the first time, shop owners and vendors of Tirumala have come forward to install high-end CCTV cameras by raising funds, giving high priority to temple security and pilgrims. The cops launched an awareness campaign in last week about the security in Tirumala.

In a meeting with police, shop vendors have decided to buy more than 100 CCTV cameras with face recognition facility. The cameras will be installed at busy centres like HT Complex, Rambagicha Shopping Complex, Ring Road, and opposite to CRO office.

The camera installation project was initiated by the Tirumala ASP Murali Krishna with the guidance of Tirupati Urban SP Abhishek Mohanty. More than 500 shops will come under the surveillance once the CCTV cameras are fixed.

Several bike thefts were reported in the shopping complex areas. A year ago, two children were abducted near HT Complex where pilgrim rush is round-the-clock. Each shop owner will contribute a minimum of Rs 1,500 towards installation of cameras.

According to sources, Rs 10 lakh is required to fix 100 cameras. So far, more than 600 shop owners expressed willingness to extend financial support to the security project. Meanwhile, the cops identified installation points for CCTV cameras.

Speaking to The Hans India, Tirumala Two Town CI Venkata Ravi said installation of cameras will increase the surveillance and it will be beneficial for pilgrim safety and preventing thefts.