Wider camera surveillance network on cards in Keralam’s Kozhikode to check traffic rule violations and reckless dumping of waste

Aimed to curb traffic rule violations and reckless dumping of waste, the police and the Kozhikode Corporation authorities are planning to bring over 200 newly identified hotspots in the city under CCTV surveillance. A no-objection certificate is expected soon to proceed with the initiative.

The authorities plan to install at least 100 cameras with automatic number plate recognition feature to accurately track traffic violations. Police sources confirm that the desirable spots based on the frequency of violations have already been identified to fix the cameras. It will also be useful to prevent vehicle thefts and hit-and-run cases, they say.

“There is also a proposal to bring all suspected drug hotspots under CCTV surveillance. However, a broader camera network will be possible only with the support of sponsors,” says a senior police officer with the traffic squad. According to him, joint projects are the only possible option to achieve such big targets.

As reckless waste dumping remains a concern for the Corporation authorities, preparations are on to cover at least 150 problem spots using camera surveillance under the latest initiative. Haritha Karma Sena (HKM) members and ward councillors have been demanding camera-based surveillance measures for long to counter the menace.

An officer with the traffic enforcement unit says the surveillance project and related maintenance contract are expected to cost around ₹8 crore going by preliminary discussions. Besides, local residents’ forums will be encouraged to expand the surveillance network in their respective areas, he adds.

According to HKM members, several wetland areas within the city limits continue to be dumping spots for septage in the absence of a proper night surveillance system.

“Cleaning of polluted areas continues to be a challenging task for sanitation workers. There must be stringent enforcement of rules against those dumping septage in public spaces,” says V.C. Ramesh, a residents’ association functionary from Purakkatthiri.