Mumbai is likely to be covered with a network of surveillance cameras by 2012. The network will be similar to the one set up by the Scotland Yard in London. An amount of about Rs 350 crore has been earmarked for the project.

The Home Minister of Maharashtra, Mr R.R. Patil, addressing the media on Monday on his recent visit to the Scotland Yard, said that the tender process for procuring the cameras and other equipment would begin in November. The cameras will be installed at crowded places, traffic junctions, crime-prone areas and other sensitive locations, he said.

The Ram Pradhan Committee, formed in the wake of the 26/11 terror attacks, had recommended a network of surveillance cameras for the city. The cameras will be able to move in 180 degrees and have zoom lens. The footage will be stored for a specific period in a digital vault.

Mr Patil said that the residents of London have found that cameras are not an invasion into privacy.

The network is helping the police, keep the terrorist and criminals at bay, by becoming eye of the police force. London police have a long experience with surveillance cameras. “Their first camera was installed in 1967,” he said.

The locations of the cameras will be decided by Commissioner of Police in consultation with the Deputy Commissioners. There will be three command and control centres for manning the surveillance system.

“Keeping in mind the population difference between India and the UK, the system would be fine-tuned for our conditions,” Mr Patil said.

To avoid procedural delays in procuring equipment, the State government had decided to form a committee, consisting of the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), the IT Secretary and the Finance Secretary, who have been mandated to take all the decisions on behalf of the government.

The committee will also consider changing rules and regulations and certain Acts for smooth functioning of the surveillance system.

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