Hi-tech alarm to protect Balaji jewels

By S A Ishaqui

Hyderabad,Aug. 27: The precious ornaments of Lord Sri Venkateswara of Tirumala will soon get Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) protection from thefts and misappropriation. Under the system being readied by the city- based Electronics Corporation Of India Ltd, an alarm will be triggered when ornaments are removed from the temple premises.

The technology is so tamper proof that if someone attempts to detach the radio frequency identity tags from the jewellery, a loud siren will be heard. It will also alert the store administrator in case ornaments go missing. The ECIL will also give identification number for the ornaments, which will be labelled by a security hologram. Further, it will prepare a database containing description of the ornaments and information of donors and their addresses.

After gold dollars went missing from the treasury at Tirumala, the government had appointed the Justice M. Jagannadha Rao commission to recommend ways to protect the jewellery at the temples.

The commission, which examined steps taken by the TTD for the security of jewellery and valuables, suggested foolproof measures to prevent recurrence of theft.