Where are CC cameras?

The much-hyped project to install closed circuit (CC) cameras for surveillance of key junctions in the city is yet to take off. According to the project, with the installation of CC cameras, traffic violators and criminals cannot escape from police. In April, it was reported that 97 PTZ DOME cameras would be installed and eight prime spots were identified for installing them in the first phase of the project. Experts say the cameras are able to pan 90 degrees and can capture each and a very second. The statewide project was initiated three and a half years ago. Government security agencies wanted to implement the project initially in Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode cities, considering heavy traffic and security threats there. Accordingly, the project began in these cities and two phases have already been completed. Keltron is the official partner of the project. Keltron project manager G Gopalakrishnan told City Journal that the project came to a halt as the fund was not released by the authorities. Gopalakrishnan said that a recent theft at a mobile shop in Kozhikode city was easily detected with the help of CC cameras installed at the shop. City police have been entrusted with the implementation of the project using modernisation funds. But Commissioner P Vijayan said that he has to see if the fund has been released. The project is aimed at easing traffic, monitoring and controlling system.