In a few weeks, Mumbai city will have a network of 5,000 CCTV surveillance cameras covering all major locations. An expert committee led by the Chief Secretary has recommended their installation, the Home Minister, Mr R.R. Patil, told the State Assembly on Tuesday.

He was replying to a series questions raised by the Opposition members in view of the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

Installation of CCTV cameras was recommended by the Ram Pradhan Committee, which had examined the role of police and the administration in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Mr Patil said that Mumbai police is taking adequate steps to provide security but because of the sheer size of the population density and unauthorised constructions, it is getting very difficult to police such a large population.

“Today, it is a fact that you cannot move unhindered in the Zaveri bazaar area between 6 and 7 pm because of the crowds thronging the streets,” he said.

Zaveri bazzar, which is the nerve-centre of Mumbai's jewellery business, has been repeatedly targeted by terrorists.

Mr Patil said that the after the 26/11 attack, a number of security equipment vendors approached the State government and they all “have been trying to sell something to the government” but it has been found that some of the vendors had violated tender conditions and had been selling equipment not up to specifications. “We have initiated an inquiry against them,” he said.

“An equipment vendor who was expected to sell us US-made anti-bomb suits is now selling us Chinese-made suits, which is violation of the contract. Another vendor was supposed to supply a Total Containment Vehicle used for bomb disposal. We found that the difference in the price quoted for the same vehicle to Mumbai police and to the GVK group was of Rs 2.5 crore. Because of such issues, equipment procurement is getting delayed,” he said.

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