Bengaluru, July 16: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara on Thursday said that donations received by temples will be used exclusively for temple development and related activities, with no diversion of funds for any other purpose.

He announced that CCTV cameras will be installed around donation boxes in nearly 39,000 temples under the State Muzrai Department, with a central control room set up to monitor temple collections and prevent theft and financial irregularities.

Parameshwara said Category 'A' temples have around ₹2,521 crore in fixed deposits, which will be utilised for their development through master plans. He added that only 10 per cent of these funds would be allocated for the development of Category 'C' temples.

The Deputy CM also said the government will improve pilgrim facilities at Muzrai-owned properties in Tirupati, Srisailam, Varanasi and Tuljapur, while reviewing the benefits of cloud-seeding operations and seeking relaxation of Central drought declaration norms. He also announced plans to revive the traditional Dasara Games in Karnataka.