Rs 100cr security shield for Delhi

Heavy-Duty Electronic Surveillance to Help Protect 2010 Games

World-class electronic surveillance is expected to key to Delhi’s security cover during the Commonwealth Games next year. With three key electronic systems, the police and security agencies would be able to monitor ceaselessly all vehicles entering and exiting Delhi’s borders, examine them with state-of-the-art X-ray machines and carry out aerial visual imaging of the entire city.

The ministry of home affairs, in consultation with the Delhi Lieutenant- Governor’s office and Delhi Police, is learnt to have zeroed in on the state-owned Electronic Corporation of India for placing orders for the necessary electronic equipment. This is visualized as a pilot project, as of now in Delhi and other metros, but soon to be replicated across the country. Estimated to cost around Rs 100 crore per city, the project will be supported by special funding from the MHA.

There is understandable anxiety about security for the high-profile Commonwealth Games. Although the government is confident of ensuring foolproof security, it feels electronic surveillance, together with traditional security measures and a larger number of feet for ground surveillance, would help achieve security objectives.

The new plan envisages the launch of an airship capable of capturing and transmitting high-density visual images of the entire city. The airship is likely to cost anywhere from Rs 15-25 crore, a senior MHA official told TOI. Similar airships would be launched in other big — and vulnerable — cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Chennai.

Total Cover

• Pilot project in Delhi for Commonwealth Games. Will roll out in metros, then across country. Home ministry to pitch in with funds
• CCTV network to be set up at entry points to Delhi and other cities to scan number plates of vehicles
• Giant X-ray machines to scan vehicles for any suspicious metallic cargo
• Additional cameras and checkpoints in crowded areas such as Commonwealth Games Village, Connaught Place, Nehru Place, Dilli Haat & Lajpat Nagar

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/