Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras will keep an eye on Gandhi Maidan.
The committee, which maintains and looks after the beautification of the Maidan headed by Patna divisional commissioner, has decided to install 32 CCTV cameras to keep a tab on the activities of those who visit the Maidan.
Patna divisional commissioner Anand Kishore has given the responsibility to execute the work to Bihar State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd (Beltron).
"I have instructed the official concerned to install five such cameras, which can rotate 360 degrees and the rest 27 would be fixed cameras to be installed at different locations of the ground. The CCTV cameras would be fixed permanently. The purpose of installing the CCTV cameras is to keep a close eye on the ground," Kishore said.
As things stand now, the CCTV at Gandhi Maidan is mostly installed for shorter duration on special occasions like Independence Day, Republic Day, Ravan Vadh celebrations and during major political rallies.
"Gandhi Maidan is a historic ground and we have seen many untoward incidents in the past (serial blasts and stampedes). It was necessary to have such a system in place so that the ground can be monitored round-the-clock from a control room. The CCTV cameras would be installed before January 20, ahead of the Republic Day function," said Kishore.
The committee has also decided to illuminate the Maidan and 64 high-powered lights would be installed at different points of the Maidan. In the past few years, the Maidan has seen several beautification works and illuminating the Maidan was one of the long-pending demands.
"Two metal lights at the eight gates and 48 sodium lights inside the ground would be installed by January 2016. Instruction has been issued to the executive engineer of the energy department. Lights would be useful for the commuter as well as for the people who organise several events," said Kishore.
At present, nine high-mast lights have been put in place inside the ground.
Bakarganj resident Atul Kumar, who runs an electronic item shop and a frequent visitor to Gandhi Maidan, said: "It is a good decision. After sunset, we prefer to go home because of the fear of getting robbed. Now, with the installation of CCTV cameras and lights, it will allow us to spend more time at the ground."
The divisional commissioner has also instructed to install 20 news benches. He also gave green light to goalposts at the Maidan. One goalpost would come up opposite SK Memorial gate and another near the new Mahatma Gandhi statue.
A platform to perform yoga would also be erected opposite to the upcoming international convention centre.
"The instruction for these works has been given to the executive engineer of the building construction department. I have also discussed about making green toilets at every gates but because of negligence of some people, the project could not take off. We have taken disciplinary action against such officials," said Kishore.
Lower-division clerk Manish Kumar of the commissioner office has been suspended with immediate effect for neglecting the work.
Kishore also asked the official concerned to submit the detailed project report of the gym for women, jogging track and parking zone at four places outside the Maidan spread over 62 acres.
