In a bid to revamp vigilance and strengthen the security of the metropolis after the 26/11 terror attacks,the state Government is considering a proposal moved by the Power Grid Corporation of Indian Ltd (PGCI) to install 5,000 CCTV cameras across the city. The proposal was among the various plans discussed by the ministerial sub-committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Wednesday. According to the PGCI proposal,it would be a turnkey project estimated to cost Rs 157 crore. It would include a CCTV network that enables motion detection,bio-matrix,optical character recognition (for screening number plates of vehicles),night vision,thermal imaging,and also pan,tilt and zoom capabilities. The CCTVs are proposed to be installed at 480 traffic junctions in the city to monitor movements of vehicles and individuals round the clock. The network of CCTVs would also monitor important government installations and buildings,railway stations,BEST depots and beaches. Out of the estimated cost of Rs 157 crore,it has been proposed that Rs 25 crore be provided for the current financial year,in order to start the project before March-end. The PGCI is one of the largest transmission utilities of the world and has diversified into telecom business besides having a network of optical fibres. It wheels about 45 per cent of the total power generated in the country and is one of the Navratna public sector enterprises. The issues discussed by the ministerial committee on Wednesday also included a proposal to strengthen police control rooms (at an estimated cost of Rs 3.31 crore),procuring of ammunition (Rs 7 crore),a megacity wireless project (Rs 3.86 crore), strengthening of the Anti-Terrorist Squad (Rs 16.43 crore),and setting up of 12 new coastal police stations (Rs 2.25 crore). Rs 90 cr revamp of police force The ministerial committee approved an expenditure of Rs 90 crore for the modernisation of the police force. The package includes purchase of 12 boats for Rs 4 crore each,12 digital video cameras,24 search lights,12 GPS systems,19 satellite phones,120 life-jackets and 100 helmets.
