Kashi Vishwanath security upgradation at a cost of Rs 8 crore

Varanasi, Sep 13 (UNI) A proposal to upgrade security at the highly sensitive Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanwapi complex here at a cost of Rs eight crore was today approved by the high-level Standing Committee on Security.

The Committee members led by Additional Director General (Security) of Uttar Pradesh Police R K Tiwari last night and today reviewed security arrangements at the complex and then at a meeting with district, police and Central Reserve Police officials approved the proposal for security upgrdation.

The proposal will now be sent to the state government for sanctioning the necessary funds.

As per the proposal, bullet-proof watch-towers, boom-barrier styled bullet proof gates will be erected on the complex, besides installation of electronic speed gates. Provision of equipping the security personnel with G-Lock pistols, INSAS and AK-47 rifles has also been made in the proposal, Mr Tiwari told newspersons.

The proposal also enlists erection of two new channel gates at Shringar Gauri shrine and the security control room, multi-zone door frame metal detectors, besides replacement of siren-based security alert system with latest mechanism, the ADG added.

Mr Tiwari informed that 20 new Close Circuit Televisions (CCTVs) will soon be installed at the complex.

A similar proposal worth Rs six crore had been forwarded to government by the Standing Committee last year, but owing to revision of rates of the security systems proposed, a new proposal was today approved by the same committee and will now be forwarded to Lucknow for financial sanction.

Mr Tiwari further said he also held deliberations with District Magistrate Rajiv Agrawal, where he asked the latter to ensure that the long pending proposal for providing a dedicated power line to the complex be finalised with Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation officials soon.

''Such a dedicated electric line will ensure round the clock electric supply to the complex,'' the ADG maintained.

On a specific query about non-existence of explosive detectors on the complex, Mr Tiwari clarified there was no urgent need for such devices, as the bomb detection and disposal squad on duty at the complex was equipped with explosive detectors.

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