SDMC to install CCTV cameras in commercial places

Civic body makes it mandatory to keep video footage for a month

To improve safety of women, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation plans to make installation of CCTV cameras mandatory in all commercial establishments, bigger than 250 sq ft, under its jurisdiction.

SDMC deputy commissioner Sushil Singh said the move is in accordance with guidelines issued by the home secretary to enhance safety measures in the wake of the December 16 gang rape of a 23-year-old girl in Delhi.

“While the entry and exit of all markets are already covered by police, the home secretary had directed all corporations to do the same as far as shops and other establishments are concerned,” he told members of the SDMC standing committee.

“Under the new initiative, it will be mandatory to keep a recording of the footage at least for a month so that if law enforcement agencies require it, the same can be provided to them,” Singh added.

When leader of the opposition Farhad Suri expressed concern, saying the decision may not be acceptable to small shop owners, SDMC commissioner Manish Gupta said the matter will be taken up in the SDMC House before implementing it.

“We cannot enforce this decision until the law is amended. It will then come to the standing committee before being tabled in the House, and only then be sent to the Delhi government and to the home ministry,” Gupta said.

The amendment as directed by the home secretary has been drafted and will be presented before the committee soon, he said.

Parking fee

The SDMC has postponed taking any decision on increasing parking fee as approved by Lt Governor Tejendra Khanna. A corporator said civic agency members are planning to meet the Lt Governor on the issue.

Under the new guidelines issued by the transport department, four wheelers will have to pay Rs 10, Rs 20 and Rs 50 for 30 minutes, one hour and three hours respectively during non-peak hours.

Beyond this, for every additional hour, Rs 20 extra will have to be paid. During peak hours, charges will be 50 per cent more.

The standing committee members expressed unhappiness over the enhanced rates. Suri said raising parking rates will not push people to use public transport in Delhi.
“Only illegal parking on roads will increase, leading to more congestion,” he said.