Guwahati, Jan 5 : Amid a spurt in crimes in the city of late, particularly in December last year, a new legislation to make installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras mandatory in all commercial establishments and shops, having more than five employees, will soon be passed in the Assam Assembly.
Informing mediapersons about the legislation, necessitated to strengthen surveillance and curb crimes in the state’s capital, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the new law would come into force by April this year.
“However, the CCTV cameras have to be approved by the government and installed in accordance with a certain set of specifications. The cameras have to be installed on the entrance of the establishment facing the road and the cameras must have at least three months of storage capacity. By the end of December 2024, Guwahati should have nearly one lakh such CCTVs,” Sarma said on Thursday.
He also referred to Hyderabad, where there are currently around 3.96 lakh CCTVs installed in commercial establishments.
Admitting that human intelligence was found wanting to an extent in the city police department in regard to tackling crimes in December 2022, the chief minister said the police have recovered their ground after the setback.
“However, we also have to take into consideration the fact that along with the police adopting new methods to tackle crimes, the criminals too are changing their techniques and tactics,” Sarma said.
“Here, there are two groups of criminals, including one that sneaks into the state from a hotspot in Bihar whenever they find an opportunity,” he added.
In regard to the role of forensic science in crime investigation, the chief minister said that a forensic expert has been engaged by the state government.
“Keshab Kumar, an eminent forensic expert, has been engaged by the state government to take stock of the facilities of the forensic department and examine its pros and cons. He will submit a report in this regard within a month. Soon, we will also have six new forensic labs,” Sarma said.
In regard to traffic violations in the city, the chief minister said that the integrated traffic management system (ITMS) is not only helping reduce traffic congestion but also improving surveillance in regard to tracking traffic violators.
“No fines have yet been slapped on drivers who commute on wrong lanes as we want to give some time to commuters to acclimatize with the concept and inculcate the habit of lane driving. But after some days, we will impose fines. However, rash drivers, helmetless bike riders and vehicles without number plates are being reined in on a regular basis,” he said.