Cuttack: The project to install CCTV cameras across the city has been put on hold due to lack of funds.

An official source said police had drawn up the project after a 2014 survey. Cuttack deputy commissioner Akhil-eswar Singh on Tuesday said the project would be implemented after allocation of money from Nirbhaya Fund.

The ministry of finance had introduced the Nirbhaya Fund scheme in 2013 to implement initiatives aimed to enhance the safety of women in the country.

"At least Rs 200 crore is required for installing two to three cameras at all the strategic locations, including the entry and exit routes in the city, for a complete surveillance system," Singh said. The state government has provided Rs 5 crore for the project.

Earlier, it had been planned that cameras would be installed at eight traffic junctions - Badambadi, Buxi Bazar, Chandi Chhak, Khannagar, Madhupatna, OMP, Ranihat and Sikharpur - with control rooms at the nearest police stations.

However, the police later came up with a wider surveillance system to bring in maximum areas under CCTV scanner. Accordingly, a central control room for the cameras was planned at the new DCP office building. "The control room for the CCTV project is ready," Singh said.

The project envisages installation of cameras having high-end sensors, along with red light violation detection and automatic number plate recognition system.

The project also included installation of Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras at some places as well.

The Orissa High Court-formed traffic management committee for Cuttack is hopeful that the cameras placed atop traffic signals and along busy roads will be extremely useful for video surveillance and monitoring traffic.

Committee member advocate Pravat Ranjan Dash said: "Using CCTV cameras to enforce speed and red light laws will be effective in catching violations and imposing fines. Besides, the cameras posted at the intersections can encourage safe driving habits."