DIG Dr Shemushi chairing a high level security review at Tirumala attended by several senior police and TTD officials
| Photo Credit: HANDOUT

A high-level security review meeting was on Thursday convened at Annamaiah Bhavan in Tirumala to assess and strengthen the security arrangements atop the temple town. Senior officials from the Police Department, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), and various security agencies participated in the session, chaired by Shemushi, DIG of Anantapur Range.

Mr. Shemushi emphasised that the security audit was prompted by recent terrorist incidents like the Pahalgam attack and the primary objective was to fortify temple security and ensure safety of the pilgrims. She also called for seamless coordination between all security forces and TTD departments.

TTD in-charge Chief Vigilance and Security Officer (CVSO) and Tirupati Urban SP Harshavardhan Raju gave a detailed powerpoint presentation outlining security audit proposals made in May 2023, along with updates based on the current situation, and stressed the need to revise protocols to address evolving security challenges.

Officials also discussed the formulation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all security units including APSP, DAR, SPF, Home Guards, Civil Police, and TTD’s own security personnel. The necessity of comprehensive training for private security staff and all access control teams was also underscored.

The meeting proposed enhanced surveillance and protection measures at 14 key forest entry points in the Seshachalam ranges, including Talakona, Mamanduru, Tumburu Theertham, and Mangalam routes.

A major highlight of the session was the decision to equip security personnel with training on chemical, biological, rradiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. Plans for anti-sabotage strategies, mock drills, and evacuation exercises were also discussed to ensure preparedness for any emergency.

The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials including SP Garud Sumit Sunil (Greyhounds Commander), ISW SP Arif Hafeez, Tirupati DFO Vivek Anand, and others.