The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation is moving forward with plans to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the West constituency, responding to security concerns voiced by local residents. The initiative, based on recommendations from area councillors, aims to enhance surveillance in several wards. Tenders have already been floated for the project, and work is expected to commence once a contractor is appointed.
Camera Locations and Numbers
The proposed installation includes a total of 49 cameras distributed across eight wards. Specifically, seven cameras are planned for Ward No. 56, with additional cameras in one block of Ward No. 57, the J and HJ blocks of Ward No. 58, Ward No. 60, Kitchlu Nagar in Ward No. 63, social and public places in Ward No. 65, New Model Town, Gandhi Colony in Ward No. 72, and areas of Ward No. 73.
Councillors' Perspectives
Councillors have cited public demand for the cameras, noting that residents want to monitor the movement of outsiders in their colonies. Satnam Singh, councillor from Ward No. 58, stated, “In public meetings, people have raised concerns about their safety because anti-social elements have been targeting residents, especially the elderly and women. In my ward, some colonies already have cameras, and other areas have also requested them. We will ensure regular monitoring of the CCTV footage.”
Kapil Kumar, councillor from Ward No. 72, added, “Chain snatchings and damage to cars have become common issues faced by the public, so they asked for the cameras.” He emphasized that cameras would be installed at chowks to capture maximum movement of vehicles passing through streets and roads, pledging to do everything possible to ensure public safety.
Technical and Administrative Details
Executive engineer of the Municipal Corporation, Raman Kaushal, explained, “The councillors have demanded cameras for their areas, and we have floated tenders accordingly. We will see the response. Regarding monitoring, in gated colonies, residents will keep check at their level, and these cameras can be connected to the direct police control room or the MC’s integrated command and control centre, depending on the arrangement.”
Interestingly, among the eight wards where tenders have been floated, two councillors belong to the opposition party, while six are from the ruling party, reflecting a bipartisan push for enhanced security measures.
