Delhi Safety Audit Exposes Widespread CCTV Camera Failures
New Delhi's Public Works Department conducted a comprehensive safety audit last year. The audit revealed a startling finding. More than 7,500 CCTV cameras across the capital city were completely offline. This discovery raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of the city's surveillance network.
Massive Installation Drive Since 2020
The government launched an ambitious CCTV installation program in 2020. Their goal was straightforward. They wanted to make Delhi a safer city for all residents. Officials worked closely with resident welfare associations and market unions. Together, they installed approximately 2.8 lakh cameras throughout the city. This massive deployment covered many public areas.
The government recently submitted a detailed report to the Delhi Assembly. This report came in response to specific questions from assembly members. It confirmed the exact number of non-functional cameras. A total of 7,535 cameras failed to operate during the audit period. This represents a significant portion of the surveillance infrastructure.
Multiple Reasons for Camera Failures
Officials identified several key reasons for these camera failures. Power cuts emerged as a major problem. Technical faults with the equipment caused additional issues. Some cameras suffered from theft or deliberate vandalism. Others were dismantled or relocated without proper reactivation.
A PWD official explained the technical challenges. "Network-providing companies often experience technical issues," the official stated. "These problems prevent live feeds from reaching the Central Command Center. External factors like power cuts and component theft compound the situation. We aim to address all these concerns in our future tender process."
Government Plans Major Expansion and Maintenance Overhaul
The Delhi government is not just fixing existing problems. They are planning a substantial expansion of the surveillance network. Officials announced plans to install 50,000 additional CCTV cameras across Delhi. They will also prioritize proper maintenance of all cameras.
Most cameras monitor public spaces. These include busy markets, major roads, residential colonies, and business centers. All functional cameras connect directly to the Central Command Center. This center operates from the PWD headquarters.
The department currently entrusts maintenance to Bharat Electronic Limited. BEL functions as a public sector unit under the Ministry of Defence. This arrangement aims to ensure reliable upkeep of the surveillance system.
Future Improvements and Political Considerations
A senior PWD official outlined future plans. "We intend to issue a consolidated tender for proper CCTV maintenance," the official revealed. "Currently, a separate company handles maintenance work. The number of dysfunctional cameras changes constantly. We monitor this on a real-time basis."
Last February, PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma addressed the assembly. He confirmed the government's commitment to expanding CCTV coverage. The original plan called for 4,000 cameras in every assembly constituency.
However, allegations surfaced about uneven distribution. Some claimed constituencies represented by BJP MLAs received fewer cameras. Critics suggested this resulted from denied approvals for installations.
The PWD has estimated costs for new camera installations. They project approximately ₹100 crore for this expansion. This budget will likely cover both installation and ongoing maintenance expenses.
