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Chennai, Nov 2 (IANS) In a major step towards improving surveillance and public safety, the Greater Chennai Police will install closed-circuit television (CCTV) and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras at 45 key locations in North Chennai, it was announced on Sunday.
The move is aimed at curbing vehicle theft, monitoring traffic violations and strengthening law enforcement in crime-prone and high-traffic areas.
This initiative, part of the North Chennai Development Plan, will be implemented at a total cost of Rs 9.16 crore.
The cameras will be strategically placed in neighborhoods including Vyasarpady, Pulianthope, Flower Bazaar, Washermanpet, Basin Bridge, North Beach, Esplanade, Thiruvottiyur and Sembiyam.
According to officials, 10 cameras will be installed in Flower Bazaar, 18 in Pulianthope and 17 in Washermanpet – all of which are considered sensitive areas due to dense traffic and commercial activity.
The surveillance network will cover major junctions, market areas, bus stops, temples and railway stations which are vulnerable to theft, chain-snatching and illegal parking.
The key locations identified include Muthusamy Road-Esplanade Road, Anna Salai-Pallavan Salai, Starhans Road, Erukancheri High Road-Ethiraja Sami Salai, Ennore High Road Signal and the busy Kasimedu fish market area.
The cameras will be linked to an advanced Intelligent Video Management System (IVMS) that will be able to identify stolen vehicles and send real-time alerts to nearby police stations.
ANPR cameras will automatically detect traffic violations like signal jumping, helmetless riding and use of mobile phones while driving. Violations will be processed digitally and e-challans will be issued through the VAHAN portal.
A senior police officer said all the cameras will have night vision capability to ensure round-the-clock surveillance.
“Continuous live feed from the control room will help ensure quick response to incidents and will serve as important evidence during the investigation,” the officer said.
The project is expected to significantly increase the efficiency of the police in crime detection and prevention.
By integrating technology into surveillance, the police hope to not only improve street discipline and reduce theft, but also reassure residents about security in the northern parts of the city – an area that has seen rapid urban growth and commercial expansion in recent years.
–IANS
aal/vd