In order to increase the security of the temple, Sri Durga Malleeswara Swamy temple authorities on Indrakeeladri have decided to appoint trained security staff from September.

The temple authorities are unhappy with the existing untrained security staff. The endowments department is inviting applications from interested private parties to entrust the security responsibility.

The last date for submission of applications is August 7. Most of the existing security guards are not having high school education.

The temple executive officer, Mr N. Vijay Kumar, said “We have decided to appoint trained and educated staff to strengthen the security of temple and other important complexes.”

During festivals like Dasara and Sivaratri, lakhs of devotees visit the temple from early morning to night. The existing staff are incapable of handling the responsibility. So, the department has decided to increase the security Staff.

The security staff should also be trained to prevent pick-pocketing and thefts during the festival seasons like Dasara. The DCP said some guidelines were framed to handover the contract to private security agency.

Besides, the regular security staff, police Officers, special protection force teams, NCC and Scouts join the duty during festivals like Dasara and Maha Sivaratri.

Mr Vijay Kumar said Durga temple was located in the heart of the city and the department must be extra vigilant to safeguard the temple and devotees from all kinds of attacks.