CCTV cameras in buses to keep eye on eve-teasers

To check crime against women in the city, the Delhi government is planning to install Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) in DTC and private cluster buses. Neelam Pandey reports. Big brother watch

To check crime against women in the city, the Delhi government is planning to install Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) in DTC and private cluster buses.

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To begin with, these cameras will be installed in a few DTC buses first. Depending on their success, they will then be installed in cluster buses too.

“We want to provide a safe and secure mode of transport to women. Installation of CCTV cameras will help check cases of molestation, harassment and other crimes against women in the public transport,” said Kiran Walia, Minister of Social Welfare and Women and Child Development.

A detailed proposal will be sent by the department of Women and Child development to the transport department about the scheme. “In case the transport department is unable to fund the project, we will use our own resources,” added Walia.

More than 6,000 buses ply on city roads that are used by lakhs of people. According to officials, as there is no recorded proof of harassment of women passengers, registering a complaint becomes a difficult task.

“Sometimes even a simple request of vacating the ladies’ seat turns into a full-fledged brawl. These cameras will make male passengers more conscious as they will be aware that CCTV cameras are watching their every move,” said a senior Delhi government official.

Installation of CCTV cameras in Western countries is not an unusual phenomenon. London, for instance, has close to 60,000 CCTV cameras in its 8,000 buses. Delhi Metro too is equipped with CCTV cameras to keep a check on crime against women.

“This step will help make women passengers feel safe and will also prove vital in cutting crime and anti-social behaviour, as people will be aware that they are under camera surveillance,” added the official.

To ensure male passengers are aware that the buses are equipped with such cameras, the LED display of buses will display advertisements about the same.