Sabarimala Security 2011 - Close circuit camera system installed

A network of closed circuit surveillance cameras were installed at Sabarimala Sannidhanam as part of the safety precautions taken in Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. The Sabarimala pilgrim season is always a challenging safety concern to Kerala government. As the close circuit camera system has been started functioning from the beginning of this year's Sabarimala festival season, hence the full fledged operation of the circuit system was functioning from December 2nd onwards. The camera network was inaugurated by Sabarimala Thantri Kandararu Maheshwarare by lighting the Nilavilakku (traditional lamb). The inauguration was held at the Devasom executive control room in the presence of Devasom board President M. Rajagopalalan Nair.

The circuit system includes 32 close circuit cameras. 16 cameras were placed at Bhandaram and other 16 at Sannidhanam. The circuit cameras have the capacity to capture the images which is of around one kilometer radius. It can work all the time even in low light with the help of infrared system; so that low light visuals can also capture. The cameras can turn around a complete 360 degree radius. The circuit cameras are placed all around the Sabarimala Sannidhanam, so that it can capture the whole area including Malikappuram, the eighteen holy steps and the whole queue of Ayyappa devotees. The surveillance cameras are capable to capture and record the 24 hours live visuals in a day and can able to give the recorded visuals up to next 60 days. The recorded visuals are available at the Police and Board's Vigilance office of Travancore Devasom Board at Sabarimala. The installation of the entire circuit of camera system was done by Goodwin security systems, Mumbai, also operating in Thrissur. A total of 20 lakhs rupees were cost for the purpose of camera installation. The other 6 lakhs were given by an Ayyapa devotee names Sunil and the rest 4 lakhs were took by the Devasom Board.

As part of the strict control in Sabarimala, there taken an overall safety measures. LCD monitors are also installed in various spots of the Sabarimala path to provide emergency information to the Ayyapa devotees.