Change in MC leadership to further delay command centre project

Avneet Kaur

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Jalandhar, January 30

With the Municipal Commissioner changing once again, this time within a span of less than two months, the much anticipated Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) Project, which was slated to become operational soon, is likely to encounter delays.

About the project

The Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) project, envisaged to enhance city surveillance and streamline traffic management, encompasses the deployment of over 1,000 high-resolution CCTV cameras across 180 strategic locations. Its key components include 142 red light violation detection (RLVD) systems and an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system set up at 11 intersections.

Initiated with much fanfare in 2018, the ICCC project has been languishing, missing its scheduled deadline, despite repeated assurances of its imminent activation. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Vishesh Sarangal, in a statement last November, had set December 15 as the target for the project’s completion. However, successive delays have plagued the endeavour, largely attributed to the lack of sustained attention from the MC Commissioners.

Former MC Commissioner, Aditya Uppal, diligently spearheaded efforts to operationalise the project upon assuming office. Collaborating extensively with Smart City project officials, Uppal oversaw the installation of a large number of CCTV cameras and working of the control room. However, his transfer would once again disrupt the project’s momentum, signalling further setbacks on the horizon.

The ICCC project, envisaged to enhance city surveillance and streamline traffic management, encompasses the deployment of over 1,000 high-resolution CCTV cameras across 180 strategic locations. Its key components include 142 red light violation detection (RLVD) systems and an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system set up at 11 intersections.

From citywide surveillance to adaptive traffic control mechanisms, the project entails the installation of message signboards, public address systems, emergency call boxes and air quality sensors, in addition to integrating regional data centres for comprehensive oversight.

If the project becomes operational, not only will the traffic issues get resolved, it would aid in bringing crime under control. However, sources within the MC say that while CCTV cameras have been successfully installed, substantial part of work remains to be done. They said uncertainty shrouds the project’s operational commencement, with no definitive timeline in sight.

“The constant changes in MC leadership had cast a shadow not only over the ICCC project but a number of development projects, underscoring the pressing need for streamlined governance,” the sources said.