Thursday, October 6 2005 10:07 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: A bullet-proof cover has been proposed by the Centre for the idols at the makeshift Ram temple at Ayodhya as part of efforts to strengthen security at the disputed site in the wake of terrorist attack there in July.

Since the beefed up security apparatus at the site needs a structure to be built, the Supreme Court, which is hearing the Ayodhya case, will be moved for its permission to install the bullet proof shield, A K Jain, Joint Secretary in Union Home Ministry, told sources.

As part of the plan to enhance security, which includes installing high-tech surveillance equipment in Ayodhya, as well as in temple complexes in Mathura and Varanasi and the Taj Mahal, the government has sanctioned Rs 16.77 crore.

This decision was based on the recommendations of an expert committee set up by the Centre and Uttar Pradesh government to review security arrangements at Ayodhya and the other three places following the terrorist strike.

The Centre accepted the recommendations of the committee that a total of 19.91 crore will be needed to carry out security-related construction work and install sophisticated gadgets, including high-power cameras, to maintain a close vigil at these sensitive religious sites, a Home Ministry spokesman said.

Of the Rs 19.91 crore, Rs 3.14 crore of the expenditure would have to be borne by the UP government.

The scheme for strengthening the security apparatus at Ayodhya, Krishna Janma Bhoomi-Shahi Idgah Mosque complex at Mathura, Kashi Vishwanath Temple-Gyan Vapi Mosque at Varanasi and the Taj Mahal in Agra was reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by the Union Home Secretary V K Duggal yesterday.

Besides Duggal, the meeting was attended by UP Chief Secretary Neera Yadav, Archeological Survey of India Director General C Babu Rajeev, CRPF DG J K Sinha, CISF DG S I S Ahmed and top central and state Government officials.

The expenditure for the disputed structure in Ayodhya, estimated at about Rs 7.5 crore, would be met under a special scheme fully sponsored by the Centre. Security expenditure for the remaining three complexes would be financed under the Police Modernisation Scheme over and above the existing allocations. The CRPF, CISF and UP Police presence at all four sites will be substantially enhanced.

The spokesman said the state government officials have asked to ensure time-bound implementation of the security scheme and have been given an account of the immediate measures to be initiated to upgrade the apparatus.

Duggal told the officials that there was a need for various central and state security agencies to undertake coordinated action and maintain a high degree of alertness at these complexes.