In a significant move to bolster urban security, Hyderabad police have launched a comprehensive city surveillance grid management protocol alongside a specialized monitoring team. The initiative was formally inaugurated by Director General of Police B Shivadhar Reddy at the Telangana Integrated Command and Control Centre on Thursday.
New Surveillance Framework Takes Shape
The newly introduced protocol represents a seven-step systematic approach to managing Hyderabad's rapidly expanding surveillance infrastructure. This framework begins with establishing a technology due-diligence team and a dedicated camera support call center that will serve as the primary contact point for reporting faulty systems and technical complaints.
According to police officials, these teams will define minimum equipment standards and coordinate with corporate partners to develop effective technological solutions for the city's security needs.
EYES Squad: The Frontline of Surveillance Maintenance
Central to the new initiative is the launch of the EYES (Empowering Your Everyday Safety) squad, a multidisciplinary team equipped with advanced tools specifically designed to maintain and troubleshoot the city's CCTV network. "The EYES team will carry out field visits and undertake repairs across the city's network of CCTV and other surveillance assets, ensuring that critical surveillance systems remain continuously operational," stated DGP B Shivadhar Reddy.
The squad will operate with support from multiple specialized units including a data analytics team, logistics support, and dedicated repair centers. Each police zone will have two trained teams available to handle urgent breakdowns and restore disrupted surveillance infrastructure promptly.
Massive Surveillance Network Coverage
Hyderabad's surveillance ecosystem has experienced remarkable growth, currently comprising:
- 1 lakh Nenu Saitam cameras
- 16,000 police-owned street cameras
- Over 50,000 community and privately contributed CCTV systems integrated into police networks
This extensive network is further supplemented by body-worn cameras and proposed drone-based monitoring systems, creating one of India's most comprehensive urban surveillance infrastructures.
Rapid Response and Community Participation
To ensure swift response times across Hyderabad's diverse urban landscape, the initiative includes a dedicated fleet of two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and a mechanised aerial crane. This mobility infrastructure will enable the EYES team to reach surveillance equipment locations quickly, regardless of accessibility challenges.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar emphasized community involvement, stating, "I encourage all citizens to voluntarily come forward and donate CCTV cameras." He expressed confidence that this collaborative approach between police and residents would significantly enhance public safety throughout the city.
The initiative also establishes a CSR account managed by HCSC to facilitate public contributions for infrastructure upkeep and funding, creating a sustainable model for maintaining and expanding the surveillance network.
