Ahmedabad News : Police to Install 1500 CCTV Cameras on Sensitive Rath Yatra Route

AHMEDABAD,GUJARAT : The police department has announced plans to install around 1,500 CCTV cameras along sensitive areas of the Rathyatra route, including Daryapur, Shahpur, Jamalpur, and Karanj. This initiative aims to enhance security and monitor activities during the Rath Yatra, scheduled for July 7. Currently, 348 cameras have been installed, with the Crime Branch spearheading the project in eight specific areas to identify and apprehend miscreants.

Crime Branch DCP Ajit Rajya detailed the scope of the CCTV Public Safety Project, explaining that cameras are being strategically placed along the 18-kilometer route of the Rath Yatra. The crime branch team has engaged with local shop owners and society members to ensure community cooperation. The goal is to have the entire route monitored by CCTV cameras before the Rath Yatra begins, significantly increasing surveillance and security.

One of the primary motivations for this project is the frequent clashes between local residents in sensitive areas, as well as confrontations between residents and police. These disputes often escalate into stone pelting and riots, making it difficult for law enforcement to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. The new CCTV installations will provide crucial evidence in such incidents, helping to determine accountability and prevent wrongful arrests based on hearsay.

DCP Ajit Rajya emphasized the importance of continuous recording and high-quality night vision capabilities for the cameras. “Every trader has to install night vision and good quality CCTV,” he stated. “The recording also has to be kept compulsory for 30 days. The police will check the recording from time to time. If a trader does not comply with this norm, a crime will be registered against him.”

This strict regulation ensures that footage will be available for review, providing a reliable record of any incidents that occur. The mandate for a 30-day recording retention period is particularly crucial, as it allows for a thorough investigation and retrieval of evidence if required.

The installation of these cameras is expected to deter criminal activities and provide a sense of security to the residents and participants of the Rath Yatra. The police department believes that this proactive measure will significantly reduce the likelihood of clashes and improve the overall safety of the event.