Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Sunday inaugurated the first phase of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Governments dream project of installing 1.4 lakh Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in his own constituency- Patparganj. As per the scheme, 2,000 cameras will be installed in every Assembly constituency of Delhi.
"A big dream of the people is being fulfilled today. Women security and law and order may not be under the Delhi Government, but we are doing everything within our power to enhance security for women in the city. In the next 2-3 months, all sanctioned 1.4 lakh cameras will be installed. The tendering for another 1.5 lakh cameras has begun. This is in addition to cameras being installed in Government schools for the security of children," said Sisodia.
For several months, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have been conducting surveys to determine the spots that need surveillance. After a major part of the surveys have ended, the process of installation has begun, said an official from the office of Deputy CM.
Sisodia further said that the Delhi may be not with us but this government will do everything to provide safety and security to the people of this city. "The cameras will come as a big relief for our daughters, sisters, mothers who feel afraid to step outside after dark for fear of harassment, assault. Delhi Police may not be with us, but rest assured, Delhi government's cameras will keep an eye out for you in all corners of the city. No miscreant, chain snatcher, harasser will able to escape the surveillance of the CCTV cameras. All that women will have to do now is describe the attacker, and the video footage will find the culprit in no time," said Dy CM Sisodia.
The cameras being installed, will be wireless and will operated through internet and Wi-Fi connection. The footage and the old vides will be stored as record and will also be provided to the RWAs of the respected society.
"I want to congratulate our engineers who have devised a tamper proof, wireless system that runs fully on WiFi. Live feeds and footage up to 20 days old will be provided to the RWA members, the local Station House Officer (SHO) and also to a central control room at the PWD Headquarters. RWA members can track the feeds on their mobile phones without any hassle even for issues like damage to resident's vehicles and so on," said Sisodia.
Adding on he said the police and other bodies often face problems while recovering the footage but the government has also found a solution for that as the SHO of a particular jurisdiction will get direct feedback and footage on their mobile phones. "Besides, the Public Works Department (PWD) headquarter will have access to every single feed across the city to ensure there is no tampering," he said.
The Deputy CM also cited reasons for delay of the project. "The system is so hi-tech and foolproof that it's obvious that anti-social elements were running scared of this project. But, we fought for this by sitting on a hunger strike at LG's house for almost 10 days .That's the only reason why this project has come into reality. It has taken a lot of effort and penance," he said.
"What was the point of contention? The L-G didn't like the fact that we were empowering RWAs and allowing the public to determine the locations of CCTV installation. The LG wanted the SDMs to decide. How can an official who doesn't know gullies and mohallas of the area decide which locations need CCTVs? But we fought very long and hard to make this project successful," Sisodia further added.
The AAP Government, aiming to install around three lakh cameras across the city, will also install cameras in all slums and shelter homes to prevent crimes and petty thieves. The tender for another 1.5 lakh CCTV cameras will be soon floated, said the Minister.