Devotees at Kanaka Durga temple on Indrakeeladri might have to pass through stringent security cordon if governing body’s plan is implemented. It might not be that easy to carry baggage and accessories into the temple.
The temple authorities have plans to install x-ray scanning machine to scan the luggage carried by the devotees. The Special Protection Force (SPF) officials, during their visit to the temple recently, suggested installation of the scanning machines to avoid untoward incidents.
The SPF surveyed the security aspects at the temple, and opined that the devotees were carrying baggage at their will and the checking near entrances and queue lines was not sufficient. They also insisted on installing metal detectors and frisking of devotees entering the temple.
The temple authorities responded positively to their suggestion and requested them to provide demonstration. The budget is yet to be prepared and permission from Endowments Department sought to go ahead with the proposal.
The baggage scanning area will come up near the pongalla shed. The parking lot adjacent to it will be closed. However, other parking area will continue, sources say.
Security beefed up
The temple authorities’ decision assumes significance in the wake of city police proposals to enhance the security. Some time ago, the Endowments Department turned down the city police proposals to enhance the security, saying it would be a financial burden. The officials in the Endowments Department suggested that the temple authorities manage with the existing security staff.
The police suggested increasing the SPF personnel to 50 from the existing 20. Significantly, Kanaka Durga temple is one of the three vulnerable points that are likely to be targets for terrorists in the district. The Narla Tata Rao Thermal Power Station (NTTPS) near here, Prakasam Barrage and Kanaka Durga temple are three places identified by the city police. The Kanaka Durga temple is one of the major temples in the State that figured in the terrorists’ hit list also.
