Night-vision cameras, security teams to save Yamuna banks from encroachment, debris

Though the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had banned dumping of debris and waste in Yamuna and its floodplains, little has changed. DDA has now decided to install 120 CCTV cameras along the river.

The Delhi Development Authority will install CCTV cameras along the Yamuna banks and rope in a security agency to patrol the floodplains to prevent further encroachment and dumping of debris, even at night.

Initially, the DDA had identified around 26 locations. But later the number was increased to 36. All the cameras would be linked to the six sub-control rooms and the main control room. (AFP)

“We would be installing CCTV cameras and mikes along both the banks of the river Yamuna by November this year. Plans are also afoot to rope in a security agency, which would send out teams, to patrol the banks,” said a senior official of the DDA’s planning department.

Though the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had banned dumping of debris and waste in the river and its floodplains, little has changed over the years.

On May 19 this year, the green body in a landmark order had also banned open defecation on the floodplains.

Work orders for the CCTV cameras have already been awarded. The tender for the security agency would be floated this week.

These would be all infrared cameras (known as night vision cameras) that can detect objects even in low light or absolute darkness. They would keep an eye on any kind of encroachment or dumping even at nights.

Initially, the DDA had identified around 26 locations. But later the number was increased to 36. All the cameras would be linked to the six sub-control rooms and the main control room.

“If any vehicle is spotted trying to dump wastes, we will warn them. Mikes would be installed too. In case the vehicle refuses to budge, information would be passed on to the police control room for further action,” said the official.

The DDA will appoint a security agency to patrol the river front. At least four teams would moving in vehicles fitted with GPS trackers. Each team would have at least 5-6 security personnel. They would carry night vision binoculars too,” said the official.

An estimated Rs 8 crore would be spent to install the CCTV cameras. Senior officials claimed that the 30 cameras are expected to be installed by November this year.