The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Mecca Masjid goes hi-tech

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Tuesday, Aug 12, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Mecca Masjid goes hi-tech

Special Correspondent

14 static cameras, 6 door frame metal detectors installed

Photo:Mohd.Yousuf

Safety measure: A surveillance camera in place at Mecca Masjid in the old city.-

HYDERABAD: The historic Mecca Masjid now boasts of a sophisticated security apparatus. As many as 14 static cameras, six door frame metal detectors and as many hand held metal detectors are in place to ensure foolproof security.

The whole thing is intended to strengthen inbuilt security in the mosque which attracts devotees and tourists in large numbers.

Minister for Minorities Welfare, Mohd Ali Shabbir, inaugurated the control room for CCTVs at the Mecca Masjid on Monday. A sum of Rs.18 lakh is incurred towards the CCTVs and Rs.2.28 lakh towards DFMDs besides Rs.2.70 lakh towards renovation of the building housing the control room. “Government has gone in for the hi-tech security measures in the wake of the bomb blast incident at the mosque on May 18, 2007,” Mr. Shabbir told presspersons.

He said the Police Department had deployed 25 home guards for round the clock security at the mosque. Their salary would be paid by the Minorities Welfare Department.

The company which installed the CCTVs would maintain them for a year and then they would be looked after by one of the home guards.

Generator

A sound proof generator costing Rs.11.70 lakh was also installed at the mosque.

Some of the persons present at the mosque complained about the worn out carpets and leaking roof in the mosque.

There was also a suggestion for installation of umbrella type roof in the huge courtyard of the mosque on the lines of the one at the grand mosque in Mecca. “If the technology is available in the country Government will not mind going for it,” Mr. Shabbir said.

He agreed to consider the suggestion of Hyderabad MP, Asaduddin Owaisi, to regularise the services of the Mecca Masjid staff. Charminar MLA, Syed Ahmed Pasha Quadiri, was also present.

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