Keeping a bird`s eye on the public to ensure no suspicious movement goes unnoticed, 162 CCTVs will be installed across the eight-km route of the Republic Day parade from Rajpath to Red Fort, when people get a kaleidoscopic view of the country`s military might and cultural diversity. This means an extra 60-70 CCTVs will be installed this year compared to last year`s preparations, a senior police official said.
The move comes against the backdrop of terror attack outside the Delhi High Court on September 13 and the subsequent smashing of an Indian Mujahideen module by Delhi Police. "Of the 162 cameras, 96 will have pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) and day/night colour zoom lens. The system will have a digital video recorder as well. The CCTVs will be installed on the route from January 17," the official said.
He said 112 CCTVs, including 75 PTZ cameras will be installed in and around Rajpath and the street leading to ITO from India Gate.
Eighteen CCTVs will be installed on Rajpath from where President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh along with other dignitaries will watch the parade.
The CCTVs will be installed to cover all entry points and the saluting base. "A doctor will have access to CCTV footage and will monitor the VVIPs for emergency support," the official said.
There will be CCTV cameras to keep tab on high-rise buildings like Hotel Le-Meridian and Hotel Shangri La Eros. On the route passing through the Central District from Tilak Bridge to the border of North District, 26 CCTVs are being installed. "The CCTVs will be installed in locations like DDU Marg, ITO, Science Academy of Art, Kotla Road, Khooni Darwaja, Delhi Gate towards Raj Ghat and Ramlila Ground to Delhi Gate crossing," the official said.
In addition, CCTV cameras will also be installed near Jama Masjid from Parkash Chand Marg, Mahavir Vatika towards Jain Sanskrit School, Coat Market, Subhash Park T Point and Parade Ground T Point towards Meena Bazar to Paiwala Chowk.
In North Delhi, police intends to cover rooftops of old Lajpat Rai Market and New Lajpat Rai Market by installing 24 CCTV cameras. "As such, the entire route have lanes and cuts at regular intervals. The public also assemble without any pass or entry tickets on both sides of the parade route. The camera surveillance is essentially required to keep a vigil on any mischief monger or anti-social elements apart from any terrorist activity," the official said.
Another 26 CCTVs will also be installed at Chhatrasal Stadium where Delhi government is organising the state-level Republic Day function.