New Delhi: The Delhi government plans to install one lakh smart streetlights and 50,000 CCTV cameras to strengthen women’s safety and improve surveillance across the capital, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Tuesday.
She made the announcement while inaugurating the Centenary Academic Building, Computer Centre and Skill Development Centre at Delhi University’s Daulat Ram College.
The proposed streetlights will be connected to a Control and Command Centre, enabling authorities to identify faulty lights and ensure their repair within a stipulated timeframe. The government is also planning to install additional CCTV cameras to strengthen monitoring across the city.
Smart Streetlights to Help Identify Faults
The proposed smart lighting system is intended to improve the monitoring and maintenance of streetlights across Delhi.
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Key features outlined by the Chief Minister include:
- One lakh smart streetlights: Planned for installation across the capital.
- Centralised monitoring: Streetlights will be connected to a Control and Command Centre.
- Fault detection: Authorities will be able to identify non-functional lights.
- Timely repairs: The system is intended to help ensure that faulty lights are repaired within a prescribed timeframe.
The initiative is aimed at addressing poorly lit public spaces, which have been a concern in discussions about women’s safety in Delhi.
50,000 New CCTV Cameras Planned Across Delhi
The government is also working on a plan to install 50,000 additional CCTV cameras to strengthen surveillance and public safety.
The announcement follows concerns raised by Delhi University student representatives about security arrangements, including street lighting and CCTV coverage around college campuses.
The proposed expansion is expected to increase surveillance coverage, although a detailed installation schedule and location-wise deployment plan were not specified in the announcement.
Rekha Gupta Calls for Change in Attitudes Towards Women
Addressing students at Daulat Ram College, Gupta said women’s safety should be treated as a shared social responsibility rather than placing the burden solely on women.
She called for a change in societal attitudes, arguing that instead of restricting girls’ freedom, boys and men should be taught to respect women.
The Chief Minister also encouraged students to pursue their ambitions confidently and speak up against harassment and intimidation.
College Facilities Inaugurated, Self-Defence Skills Demonstrated
During her visit, Gupta inaugurated three facilities at Daulat Ram College:
- Centenary Academic Building
- Computer Centre
- Skill Development Centre
She emphasised that education should extend beyond academic qualifications to include technical knowledge and practical skills that help young people become self-reliant.
The Chief Minister also launched the ‘Miss DRC Talent Hunt’, encouraging students to showcase their abilities and participate in extracurricular activities.
Students associated with the college’s Mahila Vikas Samiti demonstrated self-defence techniques. Gupta appreciated the initiative and encouraged students to develop confidence and report harassment or intimidation.
She also inspected campus facilities, including the Faculty Reading Room, seminar room, library’s Shri Ramalaya, recycling unit and bakery unit. Discussions were held on the proposed renovation of the college auditorium.
Implementation Details Yet to Be Announced
The proposed installation of one lakh smart streetlights and 50,000 CCTV cameras forms part of the Delhi government’s stated efforts to strengthen public safety, particularly for women.
Further details on the project’s timeline, budget, deployment locations and implementation arrangements are yet to be announced.
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