CCTV cameras to make F’bad safer

Bhartesh Singh Thakur 
Tribune News Service 
Chandigarh, August 19 

Faridabad is getting smarter with CCTV cameras having the features of face recognition and number plate detection. Besides, artificial intelligence will be used to regulate traffic.  

If a wanted criminal or missing person passes nearby, these cameras can match his features with the existing data base provided by the police. Investigating agencies will then be informed. Similarly, if a crime has taken place and the investigators are looking for the vehicle involved, the cameras can trace it with the help of the number plate detection feature. 

“Faridabad Smart City Limited (FSCL) is installing 1,500 CCTV cameras at every nook and corner of the city at a cost of Rs 159 crore under its flagship Integrated Command and Control Centre project. The work is expected to be completed by October. At present, feed has started coming from 25 locations,” said Anand Mohan Sharan, Principal Secretary, Urban Local Bodies and chairman of FSCL.  

About 100 cameras will have the feature of face recognition and number plate detection and these are being installed at entry and exit points. “The primary objective of the project is to make Faridabad safer and secure. Any person having committed a wrongdoing cannot escape the city area, as every entry and exit point will be equipped with vehicle number plate detection cameras and face recognition cameras,” said Sharan.  

Also, an Adaptive Traffic Control System will be installed to regulate traffic in different areas. “For example, if a traffic jam takes place on a route, traffic lights can be adjusted to let clear the rush. Also, sometimes, a few vehicles are waiting for their turn at traffic lights. In that case, the green light will be turned on sooner," said Monica Gupta, Additional Chief Executive Officer, FSCL.

Through Red Light Violation Detection and Automatic Number Plate Reader cameras, e-challans will be generated in case of a traffic rule violation. Public announcement systems and variable message sign screens, for displaying information like road diversions and weather information, will also be installed in the city. 

“Also, environmental sensors to display the pollution level and an Emergency Call Box to provide immediate help in case of an emergency are also part of the project,” said Gupta.