Delhi, the national capital of India, has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing major global cities like New York and London in terms of the highest number of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed per square mile. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that Delhi now boasts 1,826 CCTV cameras per square mile, according to a report by Forbes India. This accomplishment is a part of the Delhi government’s comprehensive action plan to enhance women’s safety and security.
Delhi Leads the Way:
The Forbes India report on the most surveilled cities ranked Delhi at the top with an average of 1,826.6 CCTV cameras per square mile. London followed closely with 1,138 cameras, securing the second position. Chennai secured the third spot with 609.9 CCTV cameras, while Mumbai ranked 18th with 157.4 cameras per square mile.
Delhi Government’s Initiatives:
The Delhi government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has been proactive in implementing the CCTV project. In the first phase, around 275,000 cameras were installed across the city, and the government is currently working on the second phase to install an additional 140,000 cameras. Once completed, Delhi will have a total of 415,000 CCTV cameras, further bolstering its surveillance infrastructure.
Enhancing Women’s Safety:
The installation of CCTV cameras is a crucial component of the Delhi government’s efforts to improve women’s safety. The initiative aims to create a secure environment and deter criminal activities by increasing surveillance across public spaces. The real-time monitoring and recording of CCTV feeds are transmitted to a command center, ensuring prompt action in case of any malfunctions, power cuts, or incidents of vandalism.
Secure and Authorized Access:
To prioritize privacy and security, the Delhi government has implemented stringent measures for accessing CCTV feeds. The live feeds are accessible only to authorized users, such as police officers, market welfare associations, and resident welfare associations (RWAs). Hardware monitoring and automatic health checkups of the CCTV system help detect disturbances and intrusions, ensuring the integrity of the surveillance network.
Public Participation:
The Delhi government has actively involved RWAs and market welfare associations in the CCTV project. Through consultations with local communities, the locations for installing cameras were determined, ensuring coverage across various neighborhoods, including slum areas. Each RWA or market association is responsible for managing 30 to 40 cameras within their respective areas.
Delhi’s achievement of having the highest concentration of CCTV cameras per square mile reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its residents. Surpassing cities like New York and London in this regard highlights the city’s efforts to leverage technology for effective surveillance. The Delhi government’s inclusive approach, involving community participation and prioritizing privacy and security, sets an example for other cities worldwide. With the continuous expansion of its CCTV infrastructure, Delhi aims to further enhance public safety and maintain its position as a global leader in surveillance technology.
