Over 16K CCTV cameras installed in Patna for strict surveillance

For future constructions in Patna, it is mandatory to indicate CCTV camera points while passing the construction map for apartments and commercial complexes.

16,808 CCTV cameras have been installed in Patna’s nooks and crannies as a crime containment measure amid residents’ concerns over law and order. Senior officials held a security review on Tuesday, where measures like CCTV surveillance were discussed.

Workers install CCTV cameras at government flats, at Pandara Road, in New Delhi. (Arvind Yadav / Hindustan Times)

In the review meeting on Tuesday, attended by Patna divisional commissioner Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, district magistrates, superintendents of police, traffic SPs, municipal commissioner and other officials, it was pointed out that 15,122 cameras have been installed at residential apartments, 1345 at malls and 341 at police stations, while installation work was going on at several other places. Officials said that cameras were being installed at residential apartments, jewellery shops, hospitals, petrol pumps and banks in the Patna division.

Agarwal instructed the concerned officials to identify places without CCTV cameras at present and ensure their speedy installation. He also asked the municipal corporation to provide a police station-wise list of apartments for better coordination.

“We often receive complaints from apartment residents and societies regarding poor security in their buildings. To check on unscrupulous activities, it is mandatory to install CCTV cameras at the main entry, stairs, lift, parking, every floor and at an outer location from the gate. For future constructions, it is mandatory to indicate CCTV camera points while passing the construction map for apartments and commercial complexes. Camera surveillance is a helpful tool for effective monitoring and tracking crime by scanning the footage of entry and exit of people,” said Agarwal.

He also stressed on keeping the cameras in working condition to serve the purpose.

“Police superintendents and municipal commissioners should ensure proper functioning of CCTV cameras. Defunct cameras should be repaired at the earliest and the maintenance of all cameras is important. For this, they can review the working of cameras under their respective places on a monthly basis,” he added.

Earlier in February, Agarwal had ordered mandatory installation of CCTV cameras at public establishments and repair of defunct cameras latest by March 31.