The Hindu       19.09.2014  

City to have extensive surveillance network

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) in association with the city police announced their firm resolve to go ahead with installation of CCTV surveillance cameras extensively in phases at a total cost of Rs. 450 crore under the ‘Smart City Project’.

At a press conference here on Thursday, GHMC Commissioner Somesh Kumar, flanked by Mayor Mohd. Majid Hussain and Police Commissioner Mahender Reddy, estimated that at least 50,000 high-definition cameras as enunciated in the Public Safety Act have to be installed. Tendering process for the same will start soon. He expects the local business persons to chip in as they too will benefit from the heightened security facility. Police stations have been made the access points and cameras will be equipped to monitor and record happenings on roads. While the municipal corporation can check the condition of roads, traffic density and garbage disposal, other government departments can make use of the facility. The Mayor said that cameras will be installed first in ‘sensitive areas’ in each of the five municipal zones to control criminal activities. He claimed the project can also generate revenue by “charging” for the footage, though the prime objective is to control crime and make the city safe. A committee of senior officials, including the Hyderabad Collector, Mr. Somesh Kumar and Mr. Mahender Reddy, will decide the modalities of the project.

Mr. Reddy pointed out that Hyderabad will be the first city in the country to have such an extensive network to prevent crimes.

Hyderabad will be the first city in the country to have such an extensive network to prevent crimes

– Mahender Reddy

Police Commissioner