JOIN USAbout 2,000 of the 5,500 CCTV cameras announced after the 2008 serial bomb blasts are yet to be installed in the capital. The cameras are now expected to be installed by March 31, 2015.
The Union Home Ministry had sanctioned the project based on the recommendations of a Cabinet Committee after the bomb blasts in 2008.
The cameras were to be installed in a phased manner at 58 markets and 27 border posts by March 31, 2010.
The project, however, missed the deadline due to shortage of vendors.
Sources said till the end of 2013, 3,091 cameras were installed at 27 markets and eight border check posts.
A police officer said cameras are now being procured in small batches and installed at sensitive locations every fortnight. These cameras will have 36x optical zoom ability to zero down upon any target.
“We plan to complete the project on time so that further expansion can be planned,” a police officer said. There will be separate control rooms in each district, which will be connected to the nearest police station or police post.
The latest cameras have been installed near India Gate and Connaught Place, Bengali Market and Khan Market. Sources said around 300 cameras will be installed in the area.
Police also aim to bring areas around several schools and residential locations in New Delhi district under surveillance on priority.
Two high-definition licence plate recognition cameras will also to be installed at strategic locations to keep track on vehicles.
“We are trying to replicate CCTV camera surveillance network at Greater Kailash in south Delhi and Dariba Kalan in north Delhi under which 32 cameras each were installed,” the officer added.
Police have also made a presentation before Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung.
“We have identified suitable areas where there is scope for expansion of the CCTV network,” the officer said.
DH News Service