Delhi to audit CCTV network after 32,000 cameras found faulty, 15,000 missing

The Delhi government has decided to launch a detailed technical audit of the city’s CCTV camera project. This move comes after concerns were raised about thousands of cameras not working properly and some never being installed at all. According to internal checks, over 32,000 out of 2.64 lakh CCTV cameras installed across Delhi’s 70 assembly areas are not functional. In addition, more than 15,000 cameras that were approved as part of the project were never installed.

Officials say that in many places, the number of cameras installed is much lower than what was originally approved. Because of these issues, the government has decided to carry out a full technical review to find out where things went wrong and who is responsible. The audit will look into how and where the cameras were installed, whether the equipment is working properly, if the companies followed the terms of their contracts, and how video data is being stored.

A senior government official said that this is a serious matter as it concerns public safety and taxpayer money. The goal is not just to fix the problems but also to understand how such a large-scale failure was allowed to happen.
The CCTV project was launched to improve safety in public places like parks, markets, streets, and residential areas. At first, it was praised as a major step towards better security. 

However, the discovery of so many faulty or missing cameras has raised serious questions about how the project was managed. An independent expert group will carry out the audit. Based on the findings, the government will issue new guidelines. Officials also said that if contractors are found guilty of negligence or wrongdoing, they may face penalties or legal action.