District authorities in the state capital decided on Wednesday to use CCTV cameras at traffic junctions to identify beggars and donors, aiming to enforce a strict ban on begging across the city.
The initiative follows the complete ban on begging across Bhopal, enforced by Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh in February. The decision was made to curb the social issue, linked to criminal activity and drug abuse.
At a meeting, district officials agreed that the CCTV cameras installed under the Bhopal Smart City project will be used to spot both those begging and those giving alms. Legal actions will follow.
As part of the crackdown, the authorities will launch awareness campaigns across traffic signals, with audio-visual messages from key officials like the Collector and Police Commissioner. Garbage collection vehicles will also carry anti-begging messages.
Special teams, supervised by Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), will conduct surprise inspections. The initiative also involves religious leaders spreading awareness in peace committee meetings, addressing begging as a social evil.
