Icon centres to protect prized ancient idols

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They would have a strong room equipped with CCTVs and burglar alarms

Ancient idols kept in temples with insufficient security measures in Perambalur and Ariyalur districts will soon be housed in a secure place.

The construction of Icon Centres with requisite safety measures to safeguard the precious idols was apace in both districts which had several shrines within its territorial jurisdiction.

Work on the establishment of the Icon Centres is on the verge of completion, say officials of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department which was setting up the two icon centres.

Coming up in Perambalur and Ariyalur towns, the Icon Centres would have a strong room and equipped with closed circuit television units and burglar alarms as a safety and security measure, say HR&CE officials. The two air-conditioned centres were being built in such a way to accommodate over 1,000 ancient idols. The department had granted funds to the tune of over Rs. 90 lakh each for the construction of the Icon Centres.

Officials say works relating construction of the centres was expected to be completed soon. Idols kept in temples with inadequate security measures in Perambalur and Ariyalur districts would be brought to the Icon Centres to ensure safety and prevent their burglary, the officials said.

Source: The Hindu