Bengaluru, you’re under surveillance: 7,500 CCTV cameras to monitor safety this New Year’s eve

Bengaluru: In preparation for the New Year celebrations, Karnataka's Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced that 7,500 CCTV cameras have been installed across Bengaluru to ensure safety and monitor festivities. The initiative is part of the city's comprehensive security plan as it prepares to host an estimated 7 to 8 lakh people celebrating New Year’s Eve.

Addressing the media, Parameshwara said, "Based on our experience, the sufficient deployment of police force has been made in the city. The sensitive spots in M.G. Road, Brigade Road, Koramangala, Indiranagar and Jayanagar localities, wherever more people are gathering, the police department has taken care of the security arrangements." 

The city’s popular streets, including M.G. Road and Brigade Road, will see over a lakh people flocking between 11 p.m. and midnight. To ensure smooth and secure celebrations, more than 2,000 police officers, both men and women, will be stationed in these locations. Additionally, the police will deploy undercover personnel to keep a close watch on the crowd.

Parameshwara also highlighted the state's “zero drug drive” ahead of the New Year, in response to the increased likelihood of drug activity in large gatherings. Operations have been underway for the past month to curb drug use during the celebrations.

To enhance the city's festive atmosphere, special lighting arrangements have been set up in key areas like Brigade Road, Church Street, Koramangala, and Indiranagar, with pubs, restaurants, and malls preparing for the influx of revelers.

A mini control room will oversee the CCTV surveillance, and an additional 150 cameras will be placed at sensitive locations. The Bengaluru Police Commissioner, B. Dayanand, confirmed that all flyovers will be closed as a precautionary measure. Public transport will operate until 2 a.m. to ensure safe commuting, with Metro services extended to help people return home.

In a bid to ensure women's safety, the police have deployed the Rani Chennamma Special Squad and established 12 safety islands across the city. Metro services will also impose a Rs 500 fine on passengers engaging in indecent behavior, with security personnel available in every metro coach.

(IANS inputs)