Govt clears security system for Padmanabhaswamy Temple

, Oct 17: The

government on Wednesday approved a proposal to set up an integrated security system for the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy

in the city.

Addressing a press conference after a cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said administrative sanction has been given for the first phase of the security system to be implemented by Keltron at a cost of Rs 9.8 crore.

Keltron has submitted Rs 23.7 crore plan to implement the integrated security system in three phases, he said, adding the government had already submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court that the state would meet security expenses.

Temple security was strengthened after an inventory found valuable gold ornaments and other precious diamonds worth several hundred crores of Rupees in five vaults of the temple.

An expert committee looking into the security had suggested in the Supreme court on Mar 29 that a high security vault be built on the line of RBI, immediate release of funds by government for security measures and hiring an international agency with sufficient expertise to ensure fool-proof measures with particular emphasis on maintaining the traditions, culture and confidentiality of the assets.

PTI