The Tirumala temple is classified as category-A (high risk) structure and keeping that in mind, the authorities are proposing to install around 2,000 security cameras. The TTD board had come up with the idea of increasing surveillance by installing cameras in 2013. The ambitious project of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to install modern surveillance cameras in and around the shrine is finally making some progress. Officials are now examining proposals to raise the necessary fund as well as identifying suitable cameras.
So far, around 300 cameras have been put up at vantage points. Now, it wants to fix cameras in thickly populated areas such as the Kalyanakatta, Annadana complex, the four mada streets, two ghat roads, areas near the forest and the bus stand parking place. The project is estimated to cost around Rs 62 crore. According to sources, a few companies have come forward to donate the cameras. However, the donors are seeking income tax exemptions and since the TTD has not been able to give such an assurance, the project got stuck. Usually any donation to the TTD attracts tax exemption under Section 80 (G) but the rules do not permit the same to be extended to donations for cameras.
After executive officer D Sambasiva Rao took over, deliberations were again renewed on the surveillance proposal and the TTD is now mulling its own funding for the purchase of cameras and are zeroing in on the equipment that is in the price range of Rs 7,000 to Rs 10,000 apiece.
