The Delhi government has planned to conduct an audit of more than 260,000 CCTV cameras installed by the Public Works Department (PWD) during the previous AAP regime. The move comes after concerns were raised regarding the operational status of the cameras, particularly in areas represented by BJP MLAs.
According to officials, the audit aims to verify the physical installation and functionality of the cameras, as well as ensure their integration with the broader surveillance network. The principal secretary of PWD has ordered a comprehensive evaluation to check the effectiveness of the cameras in enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement efforts.
PWD Minister Parvesh Verma recently told the Delhi Assembly that a detailed probe would be conducted into why CCTV cameras were not installed in eight constituencies represented by BJP MLAs during the AAP government’s tenure. Verma emphasised that the installation of cameras would be prioritised in these constituencies moving forward.
A senior government official revealed that the PWD had undertaken a project to install approximately 280,000 CCTV cameras in phases, and records show that around 263,000 cameras are currently listed as installed across various assembly constituencies. However, the audit will conduct physical verification of these cameras to cross-check the records and determine whether the cameras are functioning as intended.
The audit will also evaluate the quality of images captured, the coverage area of the cameras, and their integration with other surveillance systems in the city. This evaluation is expected to help determine the overall effectiveness of the cameras in improving public safety and supporting the Delhi Police in their operations.
Additionally, the audit will assess how CCTV data is managed, ensuring compliance with data protection and privacy laws. Given the scope of the project, the PWD is likely to engage a private IT firm to conduct the audit and submit a detailed report.
