Ranchi: So what if you manage to dodge a traffic cop while speeding through a red light, the camera above will note your vehicle's number plate. District police have started groundwork to install as many as 654 CCTV cameras at 170 strategic locations in the capital by mid-2018 to curb crime and traffic violations.
Apart from the usual face detection cameras, sophisticated automatic number-plate recognition and traffic enforcement cameras will also be put up.
Work under the first phase, which is going on now, includes 250 CCTV cameras at 100 locations under 14 police station area across the city. Of these 250 CCTV cameras, 17 each are automatic number-plate recognition and traffic enforcement ones.
While the first is self-explanatory, the second can catch commuters speeding, vehicles going through a red traffic light or going through a toll booth without paying, among others.
Areas under the first phase include Albert Ekka Chowk, Lalpur, Jail More, Bariatu near RIMS, Birsa Chowk, Bahu Bazaar, among others. The first phase will be over by mid-March, but Ranchi traffic SP Sanjay Ranjan Singh said that at least 10 CCTVs will be operational by this month-end.
"Currently, work to install CCTV cabinets, cabling and other necessary works are being done. At every place, CCTV cameras will be attached to the control room of the police station concerned where LED screens have been put up. The central server and control room will be situated at the traffic SP office at Kutchery Chowk," Ranchi city SP Aman Kumar said, adding that control rooms have been made at Lalpur and Bariatu police stations, respectively.
The hi-tech surveillance system is expected to become fully operation by June-end.
"There are some technical specifications and location requirement for sophisticated automatic number-plate recognition and traffic enforcement cameras. We have recently held a meeting with officials of road construction department to identify suitable places for them," said the traffic SP.
Policemen across the board are happy with the development, claiming this hi-tech and comprehensive CCTV coverage will reduce their burden and help them do their job better.
A smiling Ranchi traffic DSP Dilip Xalxo said their job would be easier. "Now we don't need to chase and stop bikers and motorists violating traffic rules. Their speed and number plate will be automatically detected and we will directly send them the challan," he said.
"CCTV cameras have become an integral part of modern-day policing. CCTV footage greatly help in crime investigation. During the Ranchi visit of then President Pranab Mukherjee last year, two youths on a bike had come dangerously close to motorcade at Harmu road. We could not trace them because the approaching road had no CCTV surveillance," said a senior official of Ranchi police.
Apart from traffic violators, CCTV cameras help detect snatchers, bike thieves, communal mobs, among others, he said. Having 24/7 CCTV camera surveillance would free them from the hassle of hiring the gadgets and installing them at strategic locations during festivals, he added.
Will the CCTV cameras be maintained properly? Tell ttkhand@abpmail.com
