Preparation for CCTV network upgrade in Delhi, plan to replace 50 thousand old cameras; PWD Minister’s announcement
The government is preparing to upgrade the CCTV camera network on a large scale to further strengthen the surveillance system. The objective of this scheme is to increase the coverage of cameras in the city, modernize the surveillance system and make the role of technology in crime prevention more effective. Under the scheme, in the first phase, preparations have been made to replace about 50 thousand old CCTV cameras. These cameras will be replaced with cameras with new and advanced technology, which will make better quality recording and monitoring possible.
According to government officials, a detailed study will be conducted from an expert consultant before implementing this project. Through the study, it will be assessed which areas are in greater need of cameras, what are the shortcomings in the existing network and how new technology can be implemented in a better way.
PWD had made a plan
According to officials, the Public Works Department (PWD) had planned to install 2.80 lakh CCTV cameras in two phases in the year 2018. In the first phase, 1.40 lakh cameras were installed, while in the second phase also 1.40 lakh cameras were to be installed. However, only about 1.30 lakh cameras could be installed in the second phase. According to PWD, the age of many cameras installed in the first phase is now gradually coming to an end, so they will be replaced with new and advanced cameras. The department has identified about 50 thousand such cameras, which will be replaced first.
According to PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, the average age of CCTV cameras is about 5 to 7 years. Out of the 1.40 lakh cameras installed in the first phase, more than 50 thousand cameras have now completed their life span. These also include many SIM-based and Chinese company cameras. The minister said that an expert consultant is being appointed to decide the location and coverage of the 50 thousand cameras that will be replaced. This consultant will do a detailed study of the CCTV network present throughout Delhi and will tell at which places new cameras should be installed, so that the surveillance system can become more effective.
He said that there is uneven distribution of cameras at many places in Delhi, which will be rectified on the basis of study. At present, many agencies including Delhi Police, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and PWD install cameras at their own levels, due to which the problem of duplication and under-utilization arises at many places.
The study will also see how much benefit the cameras installed in Delhi are actually providing. Based on this, the coverage angle of the cameras will also be changed. As per need, old cameras will be removed and replaced with cameras with new and advanced technology.
Data remains safe for 30 days
At present, about 2.70 lakh CCTV cameras are installed in Delhi and a big control room has also been built for their operation. The maintenance of the existing network rests with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a central government public sector company. Most cameras are equipped with night vision technology and are mounted on poles or walls. Their recordings are kept safe for about 30 days, which can be used by PWD, police and courts if needed. These cameras have been installed in public places like markets, roads, residential colonies and business centers so that the surveillance system in the city remains strong.
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