The town of Paralakhemundi, which serves as the district headquarters of Gajapati, is set to enhance its security apparatus significantly with the installation of a network of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. The project, aiming for completion by the end of this month, will bring key areas of this border town under constant electronic surveillance from January onwards.
Strategic Installation at Key Points
Authorities are currently in the process of installing as many as 25 CCTV cameras across 12 strategic locations within the town. The initiative is a response to long-standing requests from both local residents and the police department to improve law and order. The Paralakhemundi municipality is funding the project with an investment of approximately Rs 30 lakh.
According to L K Murmu, the Executive Officer of Paralakhemundi Municipality, the police had initially provided a list of 24 locations for camera installation. "Owing to funds crunch, the municipality council has decided to install at least 25 cameras in 12 locations as of now," Murmu explained. The selected vantage points are crucial to the town's daily life and security, including:
- The main market area
- Court premises
- Bus-stand
- Palace areas
- Major entry and exit roads of the town
High-Tech Control Room for Monitoring
A dedicated control room will be established within the Paralakhemundi police station to monitor the live feed from all cameras. The police have already allotted a specific room for this purpose. This room will be equipped with an air conditioner, a large monitor, and other necessary instruments to effectively track movements and activities.
"The CCTV cameras will help detect crimes following verification of footage," stated Prasant Bhupati, the Inspector-in-Charge of Paralakhemundi. He further highlighted a key technological feature: some cameras installed at the entry and exit points will have automatic number plate reading (ANPR) facilities. This capability is expected to be instrumental in detecting the movement of criminals not only from within Gajapati district but also from neighboring districts and states.
Expected Impact on Law and Order
The primary goal of this surveillance project is to act as a force multiplier for the local police. The constant monitoring of public spaces is anticipated to deter criminal activity and assist in the swift resolution of cases. By having recorded footage, police can verify incidents, identify suspects, and gather concrete evidence.
The move is particularly significant given Paralakhemundi's location as a border town between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, which can sometimes see cross-border criminal movement. The new CCTV network promises to create a safer environment for citizens and strengthen the overall security infrastructure of the district headquarters.
