GUWAHATI: Ashok Singhal, the minister for housing and urban affairs in Assam, announced on Wednesday that installation work for new CCTV cameras throughout Guwahati has already begun.
Singhal stated that "the installation work for new CCTV cameras in the city is going on, while discussing a number of ongoing development projects and security measures in the area. Also, the fines for traffic offences committed by vehicles are assessed after being viewed by cameras installed at the signals.”
He added that the removal of the Bahini River bridges, which severely impede the river and are a major contributor to flash floods in the city, has already begun.
The Assam Government introduced a Bill in the State Legislative Assembly which makes it mandatory for installation of CCTV cameras in all spaces that have congregation of people to ensure public safety. The owners of such spaces will have to install the surveillance equipment within a stipulated period, failing which the premise may be sealed by local authorities, as per the proposed legislation.
The Assam Public Safety (Measures) Enforcement Bill, 2023, was introduced in the House by State Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Ashok Singhal. If notified, the Act will serve as a bulwark against crime and through its enforcement, ensure public safety in areas like commercial places, industrial establishments, religious places, educational institutions, government buildings, sports complexes, residential buildings, etc.
Through this Bill, the government intends to ensure safety of citizens by mandating the use of surveillance equipment, like CCTV cameras, in spaces that usually see the congregation of people by the owners of such places.
The use of data available with the owners of premises/spaces together with data available with the government from its own sources will assist in creating a safe public environment across the State.
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