PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE / Dehradun
The Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) has initiated the tender process for installing CCTV cameras in the 100 wards of the city, reviving a proposal that had seen little progress for months. The issue had been prominently highlighted by The Pioneer. The proposal had been approved in the previous board meeting, but saw little progress for nearly six months, drawing criticism over delays in a project linked to public safety and surveillance. With the tendering process now underway, officials say that groundwork for implementation has begun.
As per the MCD plan, CCTV cameras will be installed in a phased manner over five years. Around 25 cameras are expected to be installed in each ward annually, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 20 lakh per ward every year. Once completed, each ward will have about 150 cameras, creating a citywide surveillance network. The officials stated that the cameras are intended to help monitor crime, regulate traffic movement and keep a check on issues such as illegal dumping and encroachments. Final locations for installation will be decided in consultation with local councillors.
Councillor Amita Singh said that the move is necessary given the city’s growing population and rising security concerns. She stated that CCTV coverage would assist in crime prevention and improve overall monitoring in residential and commercial areas.
Deputy municipal commissioner Tanvir Marwah stated that the tender process is expected to be completed soon, following which installation work will begin. He added that officials have been assigned the responsibility to coordinate with councillors and identify priority locations.
