Karnataka - Mysore

Private firm to handle Mysore Palace security

File PHOTO

stricter surveillance: Security is to be beefed up at Mysore Palace, which attracts a large number of tourists throughout the year. —

MYSORE: Private personnel with ultramodern weapons will soon take over the security of the famous Mysore Palace following the reported decision of the high-power committee of the Palace Board to privatise palace security.

Highly-placed sources disclosed to The Hindu that the board would be seeking expression of interest (EOI) from the country’s reputed security agencies shortly for ensuring palace security.

The board’s decision has come at a time when incidents of terrorists targeting vital installations and prominent tourist spots to spread terror among the people have increased.

However, it is not clear what would be the role of the Palace Police, headed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) with his team of policemen when private personnel take over palace security.

Dasara festivities draw lakhs of tourists to the palace and security has become a key concern in the wake of terror threats.

The board is therefore planning to make arrangements for private security before the start of Dasara festivities.

The decision was taken since the board has proposed to establish state-of-the-art security systems such as underground scanners, x-ray scanners, baggage scanners and high-resolution surveillance cameras for palace security.

“The security systems are sophisticated and hence we want someone who is professional to handle the system. The private security personnel are trained and can handle such equipment. We shall soon ask private security agencies to send their profiles and experiences of handling major security projects so that a selection of the best firm for guarding the priceless property can be taken,” sources said.

Out of seven companies that approached the board for establishing hi-tech security, three have been short-listed. One of the short-listed companies is the Electronics Corporation of India Limited.

“The three companies have quoted the price as per the specifications of the board. After a final meeting of the board, which is headed by the Deputy Commissioner, Mysore, the company which has quoted the least price will be given the contract. The project runs into crores of rupees,” the sources added.

In addition to installing hi-tech systems, the company which bags the contract must establish the control room and operate it for sometime until persons appointed by the palace understand the functioning and are able to operate them on their own.

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