S. Ramesh, Tamil Nadu’s minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, told temple officials to work with revenue and forest departments to recover temple land and act against illegal transfers.
At a routine review meeting at the department headquarters in Nungambakkam, Chennai, Ramesh called for a firm response to encroachments on temple property and unlawful changes to land records. He said officials who find such cases should immediately complain to police and ensure a First Information Report is registered.
He also directed officials to install and properly maintain CCTV cameras at temples that regularly draw large crowds.
Ramesh said devotees coming for Annadhanam, a free meal served at temples, should not have to wait for long periods. The instructions were given during the review of departmental work.