City on high alert

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The word ‘security’ has gained new dimensions with the local police with the emergence of wealthy Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple as a major landmark on the global tourism map.   If, earlier, the word security meant a troupe of policemen standing vigil at their respective spots, the word has now become synonymous with closed- circuit cameras, radars, metal detectors and hidden cameras. The City Police are anticipating a huge influx of tourists to the temple, following the recent turn of events. Unlike the previous years, the law enforcers have a bigger job at hand, of ensuring the security of not just the visitors, but also the hosts. Preparations in this regard had started about two months ago. The local police are all geared up to face even the worst, for example a 26/11 model attack, given the huge wealth the city now possess.   City Police Commissioner Manoj Abraham, a few weeks ago had summoned the authorities of all major hotels and home stays located at tourist spots, including Kovalam, Poovar and Fort, and briefed them on the measures they have to adopt while taking in tourists. Copies of documents pertaining to the tourist’s personal details have to be kept with the hotel authorities during their stay. All of them were also encouraged to install modern security equipment like surveillance cameras, metal detectors and x-ray scanners at their establishments.  ‘’We have also provided training to the security guards at these hotels on the techniques to handle a tourist, in case one of them suddenly turns a rogue,’’ says the Commissioner.