Of 2.8 lakh CCTV cameras across Delhi, 9,767 are defunct: PWD survey
Officials said the department has now been instructed to address the issue in a time-bound manner.
2 min read
In March, PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh had also said that a probe would be launched into the “delay” in installation of CCTV cameras in eight Assembly constituencies where BJP MLAs had won the elections when AAP came to power in 2020.
The Public Works Department (PWD) in Delhi, as part of an internal survey, has found that of the around 2.8 lakh CCTV cameras installed across the Capital, 9,767 either do not work, are damaged or have been stolen.
Officials said the department has now been instructed to address the issue in a time-bound manner.
A senior official said the internal survey was conducted recently following directions from higher authorities.
“We have started a technical audit of all the cameras installed by PWD, constituency-wise. Based on the findings, the department will replace the damaged cameras and install new ones where there are no cameras,” the official added.
Officials said around 2.8 lakh CCTV cameras were installed across the city in two phases in 2018 when the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was in power.
After coming to power this February, the BJP government had proposed installing 50,000 more CCTV cameras across the Capital.
Officials said that each Assembly constituency currently has around 4,000 CCTV cameras installed.
“In the next phase, the plan is to ensure police get better access in retrieving CCTV camera footage. A comprehensive monitoring system is in process. Delhi PWD and the Home department are in discussion to work out the details,” said an official.
Currently, the installed cameras are maintained by Bharat Electronics Limited.
The PWD has set up a command centre that receives footage from all the installed cameras, stores the feed, and monitors it, said officials.
The video footage from these cameras is stored for 30 days, with a 5-7 day reserve data backup built into the system. The footage and feed can be accessed by the PWD, police, district magistrates, and the courts, officials added.
In March, PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh had also said that a probe would be launched into the “delay” in installation of CCTV cameras in eight Assembly constituencies where BJP MLAs had won the elections when AAP came to power in 2020.
He had assured that the installation of CCTV cameras would be prioritised in these constituencies as part of efforts to enhance security and address concerns.
You May Like
