Delhi Govt Orders Audit Of CCTV Project, To ‘Fix Gaps’ | Delhi News – The Times of India

New Delhi: BJP govt has ordered an audit of the previous govt’s ambitious project to install 2.8 lakh CCTV cameras across the city.
The audit will also assess if the funds allocated for the project were utilised effectively by the previous AAP dispensation.
With 2.63 lakh cameras already installed, the audit aims to verify the number of operational cameras, assess their functionality, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. Govt’s Public Works Department, in a written order accessed by TOI, said: “With around 2,63,000 cameras already installed, it’s essential to conduct a comprehensive audit and review to ensure the progress and outcome of the project.”
The order says that the audit should focus on three main aspects: physical verification, functional utility as well as compliance and data management.
PWD minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma told TOI that the initiative was taken as BJP govt under PM Narendra Modi is committed to ensuring a robust and transparent surveillance system.
“The safety and security of Delhi’s citizens is our top priority. This audit will help us in identifying gaps, improving efficiency, and ensuring that the CCTV project fulfils its objective of making Delhi safer,” he said. “We are committed to accountability and will take necessary corrective measures based on the audit’s findings,” the minister said.
PWD officials have been directed to prioritise follow-up actions and provide fortnightly updates on the audit’s progress, he said.
A senior official said that in addition to verifying the physical and functional aspects of the cameras, the audit will assess whether the funds allocated for the project were utilised effectively. Govt aims to ensure that the surveillance system meets its intended objectives, the official added.
During physical verification, the audit will check if the number of installed cameras matches official records, said a senior official.
While checking the functional utility, it will evaluate image quality, coverage and integration with existing surveillance systems to enhance public safety. Under compliance and data management, the audit would review adherence to data protection laws and privacy regulations.
In June 2019, AAP govt’s flagship scheme to install 1.4 lakh CCTV cameras in public places of the city was launched by then deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia.
Sisodia himself installed a couple of cameras under the project in Patparganj, which was his assembly constituency. then.
Installation of 2,000 cameras in each of the 70 assembly constituencies was a key promise AAP made before the assembly election.
The party promised that this would enhance security for women, besides contributing to improving law and order in the city.
The outgoing govt earlier said that these cameras had 4-megapixel resolution and night vision. AAP govt also claimed that if a unit is not functioning, an alarm is raised in the command centre and an SMS is sent to the authorised people.
If a camera is broken or even if someone restricts its visibility, an immediate alarm is raised at the command centre, AAP govt said.
The footage from the cameras will be saved for 30 days and the live feed will be accessible only by three or four authorised people anywhere in the world, it claimed.
The BJP govt would also be examining these things.
A report in 2021 said that Delhi is the most surveilled city in the world, with 1,826 CCTV cameras per square mile, followed by London with 1,138 cameras per square mile.