Keeping An Eye: Admin orders installation of CCTVs in Anantnag, cite anti-social elements.

The Anantnag district administration has ordered government departments, private companies, owners of shopping malls, other business establishments including hotels, restaurants, clinics, nursing homes and hospitals to install CCTVs around respective premises.

As per the order issued by Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Dr. Piyush Singla, “District or Sectoral heads of all departments or organizations shall ensure installation of CCTV cameras in and outside the office premises with a data storage capacity of minimum 15 days.”

Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Dr Piyush Singla (IAS) in an order said that the CCTV HDD (storage device) has to be “always” kept available for monitoring of law enforcement agencies.

“In order to keep an eye on anti-social elements and their activities, there is a need of additional surveillance measures which include installation and extensive usage of CCTV cameras in public places/offices with adequate data storage capacity,” news agency GNS quoted the order issued by Deputy Commissioner Anantnag as having said.

“The installation of CCTV in public places has proved to be a deterrent, which not only prevents crimes like thefts, burglary, eve-teasing etc. but at times is useful in safeguarding lives and property of public,” reads the order.

“The proprietors/owners of shopping malls/complexes and all other business establishments including hotels, restaurants, and clinics/nursing homes/hospitals shall also, ensure the installation of CCTV in and around the buildings /premises,” it said.

“in the exercise of the powers conferred under Section 144 Cr. P.C”, the deputy commissioner ordered that District or Sectoral heads of all departments or organizations shall ensure the installation of CCTV cameras in and outside the office premises with a data storage capacity of minimum 15 days. Similarly, Municipal Council Committees have been asked to ensure the installation of CCTV in their offices as well as busy market places, Bus/Sumo stands and entry fee collection check posts etc.

A senior police officer told news agencies that the order is aimed for better policing in the town. CCTVs will keep track of each and everything including anti-national activities in the town, he added.