To keep their neighbourhood safe from anti-social elements, about 500 residents under Barkatpura Housing Board Colony Association (BHBCA) have voluntarily installed CCTV cameras in every nook and cranny of their colony as part of Safe and Smart Hyderabad project.
Only a few days after installing them, the colony residents were also able to nab two thieves, who plotted to steal money from an office and motorcycles in the colony. The BHBCA under the Community CCTV Cameras and Safe Colony Project, installed 16 CCTV cameras, on six roads leading to the colony and barricades gates at six entry and exit points.
Money for the project was borne by them. Of the Rs 8.25 lakh incurred, BHBCA provided Rs 2 lakh while remaining amount was raised by colony residents through contributions.
The colony members are happy that they are the first in the city to implement the project.
A CCTV monitoring panel has also been set up in specially constructed monitoring room for continuous vigil and monitoring by the colony residents.
“Camera feeds are accessible to residents,” says Laxman Rao, general secretary, BHBCA.
The project was launched by M Mahender Reddy, Commissioner of Police a few days ago.
The city police too has started sensitisation and awareness programmes about the Public Safety Act with representatives of colonies where they educate residents on the need to install CCTV cameras at necessary places.
